Peterborough United confirm release of ex-Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town man Tom Lees
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United defender Tom Lees becomes free agent after Peterborough United release
Peterborough United have confirmed the release of ex-Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town defender Tom Lees.
The 35-year-old is a product of the Leeds academy who went on to make 135 appearances for the Whites at first-team level. He made his breakthrough during the Simon Grayson era and later featured under Neil Warnock and Brian McDermott.
However, it is his exploits in the colours of their Yorkshire rivals Wednesday for which he is best-known. Lees spent seven years at Hillsborough, amassing 274 appearances between 2014 and 2021.
He left for Huddersfield in 2021, passing the 100-appearance milestone with a third Yorkshire club before his switch to Peterborough last summer.
After 35 outings for Posh, Lees will officially depart upon the expiry of his contract in the summer. He will be available to pick up as a free transfer signing and could prove to be a tempting option for EFL clubs seeking experience.
Peterborough United confirm Tom Lees exit
In a statement, Peterborough said: “Peterborough United would like to take this opportunity to thank Archie Collins for his service to the Football Club as he departs after making 159 appearances for the club over a three-season spell at the Weston Homes Stadium.
“Collins made his debut in a 1-0 win at Reading and was part of the Posh side that won back-to-back EFL Trophies at Wembley Stadium.
“Jacob Mendy also departs the club after a season disrupted by injuries restricted him to just six appearances while Tom Lees' deal has also come to an end. Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Peter Kioso return to their clubs after loan spells.
“A number of players have been made available for transfer including Cian Hayes, Declan Frith, George Nevett, Abraham Odoh and Donay O'Brien-Brady. Bradley Ihionvien, Chris Conn-Clarke and Klaidi Lolos, who have all spent this season out on-loan, are also on the list. Youngsters Andre Changunda and Joe Davies are among the younger players departing the club.”
Tom Lees’ profile
A physical centre-back, Lees has a reputation for being a consummate professional and has been a trusted lieutenant for a clutch of managers over the years.
During his spell as Lees’ manager at Huddersfield, current Wycombe Wanderers boss Michael Duff said: “Watching Leesy in training and warm-ups, he does everything perfectly and he is in the gym and never cuts corners. It’s another way of leading.
“Sometimes, he is easily criticised as people see the things he can’t do. What they don’t see is all the things he does.”
Lees was released by Huddersfield at the end of the 2024/25 season alongside a raft of other senior figures, paving the way for his move to Peterborough.