An appreciation of Tom Lees

Among the exciting new arrivals over summer, one man snuck in almost unnoticed. 

Expectations were low for this defender signed on a short term contract as cover for Sam Hughes.

His age, and rumours that he had failed a fitness test did not inspire. 

But as we pass the half-way mark of a much-improved campaign, there’s a good argument for making Tom Lees one of our players of the season.

Photo Credit : Joe Dent / Peterborough United

The 35-year-old has played more minutes than most of the other members of the squad and has superbly marshalled a defence that has recovered from a bad start to help Posh rise up the League One table.

But Lees is much more than that, he’s an experienced head helping young team-mates develop both on the pitch and at the training ground.

Low key arrival

Lees arrived in the middle of August as cover for injured skipper Sam Hughes.

He had finally signed after a period of training with Posh, but the length of his contract was shrouded in secrecy while there were rumours of issues with his medical.

His recent history didn’t fill the fanbase with confidence. Lees had been released by Huddersfield at the end of the 2024-2025 season with concerns over a knee injury.

Not looked back

But since making his debut at the end of August, Lees has hardly put a foot wrong, playing most games. 

The only blot on his copybook a red card late in the victory over Burton in October, arguably a necessary evil after he was hung out to dry by a teammate.

According to Fotmob, in league games he’s won 118 duels and 92 aerial duels, as well as making 12 interceptions placing him near the top of the charts in the league. 

Those numbers back up the perception that he’s rarely beaten in the air and generally seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Although he’s not the paciest – not unexpected at 35 – it is also rare to see Lees beaten for pace.

Defensive turnaround

He is part of a backline that has been fantastic over last couple of months and is light years ahead of where we were last season.

Peterborough United's line-up against Barnsley on the 29th December 2024

If we just go back 12 months, a typical Peterborough United defence would have featured Sparkes, Wallin, Fernandez and Katongo, with Bilokapic in goal.

Johnston and Kioso are an instant upgrade at full back, while you would take any two of Lees, O’Connor and Okagbue in the middle ahead of last season’s pairing any day of the week. 

That’s before we start on the huge improvement in goal with Alex Bass.

A clear leader

There’s a plenty more when it comes to Lees beyond the basic defending, which we know is good.

He is a leader and an organiser. 

He is the wise older head younger players need to have alongside them to help them develop.

He is regularly seen talking to the young defenders around him, using his experience to guide the likes of David Okagbue, Harley Mills and James Dornelly through situations and games.

Darragh MacAnthony called him ‘a great leader and presence in dressing room’ in a recent social media post and described him as a ‘warrior’ in his podcast.

At the training ground he said to be ‘on it every day’ pushing everyone’s levels up since the day he came in, while members of the squad believe his experience has really helped. 

Listen to Charlie's thoughts on Tom Lees on a recent episode.

What’s next

Even when Sam Hughes returns to fitness it is a struggle to see where he gets into the team, given our central defenders are playing so well.

A big part of that is down to Lees, not only his ability, but also his influence on those around him.

However well he does this season and possibly next, Lees is closing in on retirement.

With a spot still free on the Posh coaching staff, could we see Lees seamlessly transfer into that job when he hangs up his boots?