England Under-19 international Lee Croft became Norwich City's first signing of the 2006 pre-season when he agreed terms on a £700,000 transfer from Manchester City on 31st July 2006. The right sided midfielder fills a gap in City's line-up that hasn't been satisfactorily filled for a number of seasons.

“I am delighted he is coming here,” said City boss Nigel Worthington. “He will be a huge asset to us with his direct style, his pace and his general approach to the game. He is very down to earth, no airs and graces and he was so impressed when he came down here the other day. The right side of midfield is an area we've been trying to strengthen for two years now and I'm delighted that Lee has now agreed to sign for us".

Croft came through the ranks at Manchester City, where he made 32 appearances, 28 of them as a substitute. He netted his only goal in the Premiership in 2005 against Fulham.

Lee made his debut for Norwich on the opening day of the 2005/6 season in the 1-0 defeat away to Leeds, with Croft conceding the penalty which David Healy scored.

On March 3rd 2008, the News of the World claimed that Sunderland, Reading, Stoke and West Brom were all scouting Croft and looking to sign him in the summer of 2008