Goalkeeper Lee Smelt played a dozen or so games for Exeter City when on loan from Cardiff City towards the end of the 1984/85 season. Starting with Colchester United he had played over a hundred league matches for Halifax Town and later played for Maidstone United after leaving Ninian Park.

Working his way through the junior sides at Colchester United, Lee turned professional in July 1975 but, without making the first-team at Layer Road moved to Southern League Gravesend and Northfleet before being offered another professional opportunity with Nottingham Forest in June 1980 where he made one league appearance as well as playing on loan with Peterborough United. Moving to Halifax Town in October 1981, Lee had 119 league outings for the West Yorkshire club before switching to Cardiff City in August 1984 where he added a further 37 league appearances.

Loaned to Exeter City in March 1985 - and replacing Jeff Wood who had moved to Hong Kong - Lee made his Grecians’ debut against his former club Colchester United at St James’ Park on 23 March 1985 and ultimately featured in all of City’s final thirteen league games of the season .

Returning to Cardiff, Lee was released in 1986 and signed for Maidstone United and -  after serving in the police - became a goalkeeping coach with Charlton Athletic’s academy. 

Lee’s son Jack, also a goalkeeper, played for several non-league clubs in the Kent area.