HE'S quickly become a fan favourite at the Black Gold stadium thanks to his performances on the pitch, but Tony Lee has endeared himself further to the Tatnam faithful by signing a new deal - and joining the fans in the stands.

Non-league football may not have the same sized crowds and wages of the professional game, but there is still plenty of joy and emotion around it, as evidenced by Lee's attitude on the pitch.

Whilst his goal-scoring exploits would make anyone a fan, his hard-work off-the-ball and passionate celebrations are infectious.

It's no wonder when Poole announced Lee's extension that the social media buzz was as big as you could expect from fans of a seventh tier side.

That enthusiasm continues when Lee speaks about his new deal, telling the Daily Echo: “I’m buzzing to extend my contract with Poole Town. It’s been a conversation for the last two months or so, but I’m happy to finally agree and get it signed.

“We’ve got a great group here. The gaffer is class, along with Micky (Hubbard), Jody (Rivers), Richard (Gillespie), Fletch (Andy Fletcher) and all the backroom staff.

“As we saw in Saturday's game that the boys are class as well. It’s been a tough month or two with results but things being against us, they still went out and grafted.’

With Lee grabbing 25 goals in just 21 league games, there was always going to be interest from clubs higher up the pyramid.

The Daily Echo understands that informal enquiries from National South clubs were made, and whilst Lee previously refuted any rumours, he has effectively put to bed any talk of a move away with a new contract.

Now in his third spell with the club, Lee is somewhat of a journeyman at the age of 25, with multiple spells at 14 different clubs under his belt.

Starting off in National League Eastleigh's academy, Lee found himself loaned out to no fewer than eight clubs whilst with the Spitfires, playing all over the south coast and pyramid.

Since rejoining Dolphins in 2020, the 25-year-old has started to lay down some roots, by getting involved with coaching the under 23s, alongside working for the club's partner academy, Champion Football.

"I’m also working with the under 23s and Champion Football’s Development programme, so it all ties in really well," explained Lee.

"I want to be involved with everyone and everything for the club, to help it to be in the best position."

A snapped collar bone suffered in the defeat to Beaconsfield has ruled Lee out for potentially up to two months, but despite the setback, the club pressed forward with tying Lee to a new deal that runs to the end of the 2022/23 season.

"As I’ve said, the conversation has been ongoing for last two months or so," continued Lee. "But getting injured, I thought it would have all gone on hold a little bit till I’m back fit.

"Fair play to the chairman and directors - they were still happy to get it done and signed, when most clubs would have definitely put it on hold, so I’ve got to say fair play to them."

That explains why Lee was amongst the crowd when Poole hosted Salisbury at the weekend. Unable to impact events on the pitch, the striker decided to offer his support by joining in with the fans' chants.

"The club does mean a lot to me, whether I’m injured or playing I’d still want the best result.

"If that’s me in with the fans, trying to get them going to help the boys or bellowing encouragement from the bench - as much as that annoys the hell out of Micky!

"I don’t think you’d get many players supporting the boys with all the supporters behind the goal, but it will be the same again until I’m back in the black and gold shirt."