Lea began his professional career with Blackpool in 1960, making his debut in the opening game of the 1960–61 league campaign.
He continued to be a regular fixture in Ron Suart's teams throughout 1964–65, making another 30 league appearances and scoring twice, both in victories: 4–2 at home to Blackburn Rovers on 24 August 1964, and 3–1 in Blackpool's hosting of Sunderland on 26 September.
He scored in the League Cup for the second consecutive season, again in the second round, but this time in a 5–1 victory over Manchester United, with Ray Charnley netting a hat-trick.
His goals could not save Blackpool from relegation, however, and they dropped into Division Two at the end of the season, four months after Ron Suart was replaced as manager by Stan Mortensen.
Lea's final appearance for Blackpool came eighteen games into the 1967–68 league calendar, a 2–0 defeat at home to Norwich City.