Shrewsbury Town defender reflects on life as a full-time professional

Shrewsbury Town defender Isaac Lee has reflected on his transition from part-time to full-time football.

Lee’s switch to Shrewsbury from Cymru Premier side Flint Town United has given him his first taste of the Football League.

The 22-year-old broke into the first team towards the end of last season and has featured regularly throughout pre-season.

Speaking to Cymru Sport at Shrewsbury’s open day on Sunday, Lee reflected on adapting to life as a full-time professional.

He said: “Something that I found hard is probably more so mentality wise. When I am not playing so much it is mentally difficult.

“Training every day is relentless, the standards are through the roof. That’s what I found hard the most.

“But this is something that I have been working towards my whole life, so I was always going to be ready. The transition has been really good.”

Lee came through Stoke City’s academy before forging his career in non-league football, enjoying spells with Ramsbottom United, Radcliffe and Stafford Rangers, among others, before catching the eye of Shrewsbury.

The defender attended Town’s victory over Harrogate Town in January before putting pen to paper on his move.

“When I came to the club, it was against Harrogate, everyone just made me so welcome,” he added, explaining why he chose to join.

“I had seen the facilities , the fan base, it is something that I wanted to be on board with.

Lee had to be patient for his first-team opportunity but went on to start Shrewsbury's final three matches of last season.

The defender has since settled into life in Shropshire and is living in Telford with some of his team-mates.

He added: “I live in Telford right now with a couple of other boys in the club, it has been really good.

“I have got used to the surroundings. It’s not too far from the stadium and the training ground, so it has been really good.”