Former Chesterfield and Ilkeston Town player Jason Lee wants to modernise PFA as he applies for chief executive role

Lee, 49, has put his name forward - along with ex-Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters and current PFA chairman and ex-Sheffield United defender Ben Purkiss - for the top job at the players' union.

“I’ve been involved in football for 34 years and I’ve been involved in administration for the best part of 10 years. I believe I’ve got the skills and competencies to step forward,” Lee, currently the PFA's equalities and education executive, told talkSPORT.

“I’ve definitely got the courage and conviction to lead an organisation.

“I certainly believe we need to galvanise and continue to engage with our membership – that’s the most important thing.

“People assume that we’ve maybe become out of touch, but I know for the best part of 10 years that I’ve been here I’ve been face-to-face with our membership and players and be on the front foot.”

Taylor will leave the role, which he has held for 40 years, at the end of the current season.

Lee's playing career has seen the striker play for clubs including Nottingham Forest, Charlton Athletic and Notts County. He played 28 times for the Spireites between 1998 and 200, featuring for the Robins a decade later.

“People that have been working within the PFA understand that there are changes that need to be made. I’m definitely in favour of modernisation involving the PFA,” Lee added.