Joe Lea

Joe Lea (born 16 December 1997) is an English football coach and former player who played for Gosport Borough, as a midfielder. He is currently employed as the club's joint first-team manager, working alongside former teammate Pat Suraci.

Southampton
Born in Portsmouth, Lea signed for his local side Portsmouth as a youngster before moving to south-coast rivals Southampton at the age of 9. Lea spent nine years in the Southampton youth academy before being released upon the completion of his two-year scholarship.

Yeovil Town
Upon his release from Southampton, Lea joined Yeovil Town on 2 July 2016, alongside Josh Ezewele from West Bromwich Albion. He made his professional debut on 23 August 2016 as a substitute in a League Cup match at Everton.

On 15 October 2016, Lea joined Southern Premier League side Dorchester Town on an initial one-month loan deal, and Lea made his debut for Dorchester that afternoon as a second-half substitute against Dunstable Town.

In January 2017, Lea joined National League South side Gosport Borough on loan until the end of the season.

At the end of the 2016–17 season, Lea was released by Yeovil having only made two appearances for the club.

Bognor Regis Town
After a successful trial, Lea signed for newly promoted National League South club Bognor Regis Town in July 2017.

Gosport Borough
Lea signed for Gosport Borough on 18 January 2018.

Coaching career
In April 2022, Lea and his former teammate at Gosport Borough, Pat Suraci, were appointed co-managers at Petersfield Town. In January 2023, having retained his registration as a player at Petersfield, Lea announced his retirement in order to focus on his coaching career.

In May 2023, Lea and Suraci returned to Gosport as co-managers.