Paul Gascoigne’s magic tricks and playing five-a-side football with Alan Shearer – Elliot Lee on his football upbringing and making Charlton history with dad Robert Lee

Like father, like son – and Elliot Lee couldn’t be happier about that.

When the 26-year-old signed for Charlton Athletic on August 26, he followed in the footsteps of his dad Robert. And when he produced two quality touches before whipping a lovely finish past Crawley keeper Blondy Nna Noukeu last week in the EFL Trophy, history was made.

“My dad was telling me it was a little milestone – we are the first father and son to score for Charlton,” Elliot told the South London Press.

It is a lovely story. Robert played 343 matches and scored 65 goals for Charlton Athletic before Kevin Keegan paid £700,000 to take him to Newcastle United in 1992. The Toon went on to win Division One – now the Championship – that season. Elliot’s father won 21 England caps and clocked up 381 appearances for the North-East giants during nine straight campaigns in the Premier League.

They are only the second father and son to play for the Addicks. The other pair were Keith Peacock, the club’s record outfield appearance holder with 591 matches, and his son Gavin.

While Lee senior made his name with the Addicks, his offspring is arguably midway through his own career before he pulled on an Addicks shirt for the first time.

Charlton is in the family’s blood. His grandad Reg was in charge of the turnstiles at the old Valley. Robert used to work for him on a matchday. Elliot admits they kept the news about his impending move to Charlton quiet from his grandparents.

“There had been rumours I was going to come before I went to Oxford [last season] and nothing materialised or was concrete in the end,” he said. “As soon as Charlton were interested, there was only one place I wanted to go.

“I never wanted to jinx anything this time. We kept my nan and grandad out of the loop this time. I don’t think they liked us for it at the time, but as soon as we told them they were absolutely delighted.”

Elliot and his older brother Olly, 30 have both followed in their dad’s footsteps by cracking the professional game. Elliot makes it clear that neither was forced down that path.

“I used to love being in the box at St James’ and watching him run out for Newcastle – it still gives me shivers down my spine now, because it is such an amazing feeling.

“It definitely played a part in why I want to play football – seeing how much my dad loved it. Me and my brother were always in the back garden playing football. It was literally all we did as kids. It’s all I’ve ever known – playing football, playing football.

“To pull the red jersey on at Charlton now is brilliant.

“My dad did really well. I want to create my own legacy at Charlton. I want to be the next Lee to do really well here.

“I’ve never ever looked at it like it is a bad thing or in a negative way. I’ve always thought my dad had a great time there, it’s a club that means a lot to my family and I can’t wait to go there.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a career move. I’m buzzing to be here.”

Olly Lee has previously told stories about the family being away in Barbados at the same time as Keegan, he joined them for dinner and taught them how to make paper aeroplanes. And there were barbecues with Alan Shearer, Gary Speed and Shay Given as guests.

“We’d all play five-a-side together and we’d take penalties against Shay Given,” said Elliott. “I remember once that Gazza [Paul Gascoigne] was there and he was showing me magic tricks, because he was good friends with my dad.

“Listen, I’m very grateful for my upbringing. I know how privileged I am to be in the company of these people. It’s helped mature me into the person I am today.

“It makes me laugh sometimes when people look at Alan Shearer and say how much of a legend he is. They are our best family friends, so I just see him as Alan. It is weird. But I saw the respect they had as professional footballers and it made me want to follow that and be like them.”

His dad and grandad were both in the crowd last week to see Elliot open his account for Charlton.

“He [Robert] is 100 per cent the biggest influence in my career,” said Elliot. “I’ve been asked it a lot before, I never feel a pressure to be like my dad. I’ve looked at it is a positive. Not many players can go home and ask an ex-England international how they have played and take advice from him.

“He is my biggest critic, so he won’t let my head get too big. He’ll always tell me what I can improve on and did wrong. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes I’ll go home and think I played poorly and he’ll say: ‘No you didn’t’. He keeps you level-headed.

“Don’t worry, over the years he always gets the old videos out to show how good he was – Charlton, Newcastle and England. He’s always sitting me and my brother down and saying ‘watch this’. I’ve seen a lot of his career.”

Lee has won two promotions in his career – both at Luton. They were back-to-back as Nathan Jones’ team went from League Two to the Championship in 2019. His deal with the Hatters expires in July.

“It’s something I’ll address in January or just at the end of the season,” said Lee. ”It was brilliant at Luton. I moved there four or five years ago, I dropped down from Barnsley in the Championship. It was probably one of the best career decisions I made.

“I joined a great group of lads and coaching staff – they improved me and all the boys as footballers. The results showed that. We played a great brand of football in League Two and then went straight up to the Championship.

“All good things come to an end, for one reason or another. I’ve got nothing but a massive amount of respect for everyone at Luton. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.”

Lee’s first couple of matches since heading to SE7 have been in front of smaller crowds – 13,167 for his debut in the 2-0 victory over Crewe and then 1,404 against Crawley.

The next fixture that is set to have a big-match feel will be when Portsmouth visit on September 25.

“I remember when Luton were in League One with Charlton and there must have been three or four games to go,” said Lee. “We were going for automatic and Charlton were going for the play-offs – the atmosphere was absolutely rocking.

“We went 1-0 up, Charlton got a penalty and I think they ended up beating Luton 3-1. Ever since then I’ve really wanted to play for Charlton at The Valley. I feel like it is a proper football club and a proper stadium.”

Nigel Adkins’ side have made a slow start to the League One season but maximum points tomorrow against Cheltenham could move them towards mid-table.

Lee is one of a number of additions in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.

“There are some really good teams in League One this season. It’s a very tough league. But we will definitely be in and around it – the automatic places or the play-offs. That’s our goal – promotion.

“We’ve got a great gaffer and coaching staff, Jacko [Johnnie Jackson] and Euelly [Jason Euell]. It is a great set-up. The new boys are gelling and we’re going to settle in quickly because it is a good place to be. It is an environment to learn and play football. We’re only going to get better as the season goes on.

“It’s early days with the manager and everything has gone well since I’ve come in…so maybe I haven’t seen the bad side. He seems a very level-headed man and he’s always positive. He doesn’t get too down. He seems the right fit for Charlton at the moment with all the young boys coming through and the talent we have.”

Lee is ready to play any part to help the cause.

“If I had a choice of position it would be as a number 10 or a second striker. But I’ve played off the left and also more as an attacking midfielder. If you put me anywhere on the pitch I’ll give you 100 per cent.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS AND PA