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.

In December 2008, it was reported that Sheffield United were planning a bid for Croft during the January 2009 transfer window. Following Norwich's relegation to League One. Derby County were linked with City's player of the season Croft who was out-of-contract at the end of the 2008/9 season. Croft's contract was terminated a month early on 28th May 2009. Bryan Gunn told the club website: "Lee's made it clear his future lies elsewhere, this gives him the chance to explore other opportunities"

Croft signed for Derby on 25th June 2009; days after he turned 24 thus avoiding the need to pay compensation to Norwich.

On 30th June 2010, Croft signed for Huddersfield on loan for six months. He had made just 19 appearances for Derby, scoring once. Only one appearance came in 2010.

On 18th January 2012, Croft joined St Johnstone on loan, being familiar with their management team of Steve Lomas and Tommy Wright from their time at Norwich. Croft had not featured for Derby since mid-October 2011.