Talking of Lee's much publicised transfer to Upton Park, Joe says:
"Of course I welcomed his arrival; Lee is a top notch international player, and a great lad as well, which is important.
"People get the wrong idea about him; he is a great fella, he has already settled in - and the gaffer doesn't sign bad characters.
"He is a great player and could be one of the best signings ever for West Ham - it is good to play with players like that."
Joe sees plenty of positives from the home draw with Newcastle even if it leaves West Ham still seeking that first Premiership win of the season at Upton Park following a late - and spectacular - equaliser by Jermaine Jenas.
"How often has that happened to us this season? We will get the right formula and turn it around soon, I am positive," he insists.
"It was disappointing that we didn't crack on and get the win that we should have done," he adds, "but it is encouraging the way the lads are playing at the moment, showing an awful lot of fight.
"We should have won - but let's not take negatives from the game, only positives."
Joe switched to left midfield for the clash with the Geordies and says:
"I was disappointed in a way to give up my position in the centre after the Nottingham Forest game, but the boss explained what he wanted, and I am the captain now, so playing out of position is one of those things.
"I just got on with it; I love being West Ham's skipper, this is my club, and it means a lot to me.
"I feel my performances are back to the level; I don't know if that is because of having the responsibility, but I really enjoy it - and we are not going to the first division."
And he reveals that he is revelling in the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong in a bid to avoid the drop.
"To get us out of this mess is a big weight on our shoulders," he confides, "but I love a challenge.
"We are all fighting - we are all together, everyone in the squad, and the fans as well."