DAVID Lee can't wait to see the back of this season - and not just for the obvious reason.

Certain relegation - even if the mathematics don't quite add up to it yet - has been a huge body blow. But not being out on the pitch trying to prevent it has been equally hard to take.

Nobody has felt the frustration of a relegation season more than the Wanderers' quicksilver winger.

Just nine appearances in the starting line-up has meant that the man who played a key role in getting the club from the Second Division to the Premiership has, in the main, had to sit on the sidelines while his colleagues struggle to retain their top flight existence.

"It's been a difficult year for me," says Lee.

"I haven't been involved at all for about seven weeks and I'm pretty sure I won't be included for the last two games.

"I have been very frustrated at not getting a game. I've been waiting and waiting for my chance and it just hasn't come.

"I thought I hadn't done anything wrong before I lost my place and told myself I would bide my time and wait for my next chance.

"But that chance hasn't come."

Lee has been through tough times before when his move from Bury to Southampton turned into an 18 month nightmare.

"There are always highs and lows in your career and I've just got to wait for my next high.

"But I'm 29 in November and, although you can never be assured of a first team place anywhere, I have to be looking to establish myself in the first team at this stage of my career."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.