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He was a virtual ever present for Brian Flynn’s Wrexham at right-back (alongside Mark McGregor who played in the centre of defence) during a season that saw them finish the season in tenth place.
There is no doubt that he must have impressed the fans and as McGregor collected the Player of the Year award the then 20 year old Roche was named as Young Player of the Year.
Since his return to Old Trafford he has found it virtually impossible to win a first team place and can boast just one appearance in the Worthington Cup in 2001/02 season along with one Premiership and one Champions League appearance last season.
His one and only Premiership appearance was as a substitute for Laurent Blanc in the 5-3 Old Trafford win against Newcastle.
He was expected to sign for Blackpool but after a series of talks has turned them down. Blackpool boss Steve McMahon said of him,
"We have spoken to Lee Roche on a number of occasions, he is one that I really fancied, he is one that would have helped this squad that’s for sure. He would have been a lot better than the ones we have let go, he would have helped everybody at the club, he is a bright young player but unfortunately he wants to play at a higher level and we couldn’t offer him that.
"I think there are three or four First Division clubs and I know one Premier League club are interested, I am pretty sure he will join one of the First Division clubs because he is going to be guaranteed games there but I am disappointed he is not joining us.
"He is a talented lad and he conducted himself very, very well, him and his agent and I wish him all the best."
Burnley, I am told are one of the three or four First Division clubs and right now can be considered favourites to sign him.