Lees was born in Stoke-on-Trent, and joined local club Stoke City as an apprentice in 1968, turning professional in July 1969. He made his debut during the 1969–70 season, but played infrequently throughout his six seasons with the "Potters". He also spent time on loan at South AfricanCape Town City, and, rather closer to home, with Crewe Alexandra. In 1975 Lees played 16 games and scored one goal for the San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League. On his return to England, Port Vale paid local rivals Stoke City £3,000 for his services in August 1975. He played 47 games over all competitions for the "Valiants", which made him one of the few players to have played for all three local clubs. In August 1976 he was sold on to Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam for £25,000. Lees played 30 games for Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie, and then spent two seasons with fellow top-flight club Roda JC Kerkrade. In July 1979 he returned to the Midlands and signed for Birmingham City. He found himself behind Mark Dennis, Colin Todd and Kevan Broadhurst in contention for starting places, so played only ten games in the 1979–80 season, which nevertheless made a contribution to the club's promotion to the First Division. The following season he understudied the ever-present Dave Langan at right back, and played only twice. After two years at Birmingham, in which he played 19 games in all competitions, Lees moved on to Newport County, where he played 25 league games. After an interlude in Hong Kong playing for Morning Star, Lees resumed his career in Dutch football with DS'79. He made his debut in October 1982, playing on the left wing in a 5–0 win away at Heracles, and in his first season helped the club win the Eerste Divisie title. His 1983–84 season was less successful: though Lees himself played in 29 of the 34 games, the club finished bottom of the table, and in their last match of the season were beaten 7–2 by Ajax, Marco van Basten scoring five of the seven. After a trial with Blackpool, he later played for Stafford Rangers and finished his Football League career with Scunthorpe United, whom he joined from Altrinchamin September 1984. He then played for Macclesfield Town.
