"I think, where Elyh is concerned, he was at a stage probably in his development where he needed that senior experience," explained Lee, who started his career as a keeper in United's Academy. "Especially for the goalkeepers, I think the non-league system provides opportunities because it's difficult to get keepers out on loan in the league. The National League and the National League North provide a different opportunity, a different challenge.
"In Elyh's case, it was the challenge he needed at that time. He was playing really well for the Under-21s but needed a different challenge and perhaps it was more psychological and social as well. Going to Chester, a really well-run football club, as far as I can tell, and working for a manager [Calum McIntyre] who was formerly at the club and a really good manager, and Neil [Ebbrell], the goalkeeping coach, who knows the game. So it was a really good one to start his senior career off, if you like.
"It's a different kind of pressure. We can provide a challenge in the Academy system but to go to a senior team, like I say, their manager isn't necessarily focused on development. He needs to win games. There is perceived pressure of making a mistake and maybe not playing the game after. There is playing in front of a crowd, dealing when the atmosphere can get a bit tense and it's something we can't provide in Academy football.
"From the social side of things, I think that was a really big one for him as well," added Lee. "Being able to cope in a senior dressing room and also perform. Their team-mates just want a goalkeeper who is going to help them win on a Saturday. And that brings its own challenge as well.
"I think the one thing we've probably noticed in this specific case was he was more assertive after a period of time and, when we reviewed games with him and he did his analysis with the first team, he was definitely a lot more assertive and more confident in himself, when talking about the game. You know that's just a little thing but it will be really important as Elyh progresses through and gets to where we think his talent can take him."