Boston United's Jason Lee happy not to be in John Beck's firing line

There is a part of Jason Lee that would love to pull his boots on again and lead the line for Boston United.

At 41, he is still in smashing shape and would still strike fear into most non-league defences.

But he will not miss his playing days when John Beck's Kettering Town arrive at the Jakemans Stadium in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Lee has played against numerous sides managed by Beck, a man whose direct approach has made him one of football's Marmite men – you either love him or hate him.

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"Unfortunately I have (played against Beck's sides)," said Lee, who is still registered as player, but would only play in an emergency.

"With me being a big centre forward, I've always had to go back and defend.

"Whenever I've played against a John Beck side or Wimbledon I spent the majority of the game chasing back to deal with their centre-halves who were pushing up for throw-ins, corners and free-kicks.

"It's take a bit away from you at the other end. So when we come up against them, there will be no shrinking violets."

While clearly not the biggest fan of Beck's approach, Lee certainly has respect for the former Imps, Cambridge United and Preston boss.

Despite sitting at the foot of the Evo-Stik Southern Division and without a league win so far, Lee expects the Poppies to test Boston's recent revival, which has featured consecutive wins over Colwyn Bay and Chester FC.

"I know what John Beck is about and we'll treat them with respect," said Lee.

"He's been in the game a lot longer than I have, plus they are full-time.

"So let's not think, just because they are a lower-division team, that they are no good. That won't be the case.

"They will be organised. They may be direct, but it is a style of football that has served John Beck well over the years.

"Those players will implement their gameplan and they will come here up for it."

While his no-nonsense playing style lent itself to Beck's direct approach, Lee the manager favours a different approach.

With playmakers Ben Milnes and Ian Ross pulling the strings in midfield and Spencer Weir-Daley and Marc Newsham sniffing for openings up front, Lee prefers a passing style of play.

But the United boss has told his side to be ready for a physical battle on Saturday.

"Other than our centre-halves we're a small team – it's a fact – and big teams are going to cause us problems," said Lee.

"But I expect us to have the quality to create chances. It's about what we do with those opportunities."