LONG-STANDING goalkeeper Richard Lee will leave Watford this summer to sign for League One outfit Brentford.

The Oxford-born shot-stopper was out of contract at Vicarage Road this summer and will depart to pursue a new challenge with the west Londoners.

He was offered a new contract by the Hornets but couldn't be guaranteed first-team football at Vicarage Road and at this stage of his career has decided upon a fresh start.

The 27-year-old has been a tremendous servant for the Club since progressing through the Academy from the age of 10.

He made his debut in March, 2003 and in total has made 110 appearances for the Club.

The goalkeeper has sustained serious injuries during his time at Watford but his hard work ethic has seen him always bounce back and Lee has become a hugely popular figure around the Club.

In 2007/08 he played over 40 games for the Golden Boys, his highest total in one season.

A season later, the Academy graduate made national headlines by saving three penalties in four days against Southampton and Cardiff City.

Watford Manager Malky Mackay said: "Richard is a great professional and has been a loyal servant of this Club.

"We spoke and discussed if there was an opportunity for him to gain regular first-team football elsewhere then we were not going to stand in his way.

"He goes with our best wishes and I hope his career flourishes.

"Richard has been a real leader with our community work, he has made a real difference with the magnificent amount of work he has put in off the field and he has been a great representative of this Club."

Lee has been an outstanding representative of the Club away from the pitch as well.

In 2005 and 2008 the goalkeeper collected the Club's Community Ambassador of the Year for his tireless work in the Community.

The Club would like to thank Richard for his loyal service and wish him all the best with his future career.

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