MARK PLUMMER catches up with new Birmingham team boss Jack Lee in his latest in-depth 'Friday Feature' interview . . .
Jack Lee is no ordinary senior citizen.
At the age of 72 he could be forgiven for reaching for his pipe and slippers, but instead he is getting stuck into the biggest challenge of his life.
Rather than settling into his comfiest chair, Lee finds himself occupying the hotseat at Birmingham Brummies following a shock appointment as team boss on the eve of the new campaign by promoters Alan Phillips and Graham Drury.
Lee is no stranger to speedway after spending the last two decades at the helm of National League outfit Buxton, but he is as surprised as anyone about being thrust into the Elite League spotlight after getting the thumbs-up from his good lady, Dianne.
"Most of the 72 year-olds in my local Con Club can hardly walk or breathe," jokes the bubbly team boss. "The other day a guy came over puffing and panting . . . and it turned out he was younger than me.
"I don't feel my age and people always tell me I don't look it either. I don't mind hearing that!
"My wife says it is all down to the way that she has looked after me, so I guess I should be very thankful to her.
"It was a complete surprise to get a call from Graham about the Birmingham job, but the challenge instantly excited me.
"I have regretted not going for a couple of promotions during my working life and been left thinking about what might have been.
"I didn't want that to be the case again, but I had to wait for my wife to come back so I could run it past her before I accepted.
"She is close to being a speedway widow at times and it was only right to get her seal of approval before taking on a job like this.
"Luckily she told me to go for it and she is enjoying accompanying me to Birmingham meetings."
Lee is based in Stalybridge, a northern town approximately 10 miles east of Manchester and most famous for its railway station Buffet Bar. He describes it as "˜one of the last bits of civilisation before the Moors'.
It is a location which ensures Lee will spend plenty of time on the road during the course of the season, but that's nothing new to a man who worked behind the wheel.
"I'm used to doing the miles because I was a truck driver," added Lee. "I was still driving an articulated lorry at 70 until I retired.
"I could do these Elite League journeys in my sleep, but it gets a bit tougher as you get older because you become weary a lot sooner.
"I'm enjoying it though and I see no reason why I can't do the job for as long as I'm fit and healthy "“ providing Alan and Graham are happy with me, of course.
"It is a higher level to what I'm used to, but the job is essentially still the same. The riders are having the same problems and coming to me with the same moans that I'm used to getting from the guys in the National League."
Birmingham's riders have experienced more problems than most so far in 2014. A hat-trick of heavy defeats wasn't the ideal start to Lee's reign in the second city, but a derby success over Coventry earlier this week provided a welcome first win.
Star man Adam Skornicki and skipper Danny King packed the minor places in a final heat decider to clinch a 46-44 triumph over a highly-rated Bees outfit.
"It was a close call in the end, but we needed that," added Lee. "I could have done without it going down to the last heat though.
"It might be exciting for the supporters, but it's not for me. It is a good job I'm already grey!
"Hopefully the win against Coventry has put a few smiles will be back on faces and we can move forward from here. We just need to get all the riders firing in the way they can.
"Adam has been a revelation and Daniel Nermark has been doing his job, but the other lads have had a few issues.
"Danny was much more like his old self against Coventry after only getting two points the previous week against Lakeside and hopefully Eddie Kennett can get himself going.
"I can't see us being bottom of the table for too long if everyone clicks, but missing riders through doubling-up is becoming a bit of a pain.
"It is not easy to work out where best to run rider replacement with the new race format. This season is a bit of a learning curve for everyone "“ riders, team managers and supporters."
Lee is hoping the Brummies' revival can continue tonight (Friday) when they travel to early-season pacesetters Lakeside.
