McNamee made a number of appearances towards the end of the 2004–05 season, under both Lewington and new manager Aidy Boothroyd. After helping Watford avoid relegation, he signed a one–year contract extension with the club. At the end of the 2004–05 season, McNamee went on to make sixteen appearances in all competitions. In the 2005–06 season, McNamee continued to regain his first team place for the side. For his performance, he extended his contract until 2008. It wasn't until on 1 November 2005 when McNamee scored his first Watford in over three years, in a 3–1 win over Queens Park Rangers. For the remaining 2005–06 season, McNamee continued to feature in and out of the first team, as Watford were promoted to the Premiership via play–offs. At the end of the 2005–06 season, he went on to make thirty–eight appearances and scoring once in all competitions for the side. In the 2006–07 Premiership season, McNamee helped the side beat Accrington Stanley in the third round of the League Cup in a penalty-shootout after a tie 0–0 in the regular time and kept after extra-time. It wasn't until on 28 November 2006 when McNamee made his Premier League debut, making a start before substituted in the 72nd minutes, in a 1–0 loss against Sheffield United. He made seven appearances for Watford in the middle of, and also scored the only goal in their fourth round FA Cup victory at West Ham United. Watford would go on to reach the semi-finals of the competition, but McNamee played no further part, as the club was relegated back to the Championship. Watford returned to the Championship for the 2007–08 season, but McNamee only featured in two League Cup games and once in the league. His first team opportunities at Watford this season has become more limited. McNamee was loaned out to Barnet on a month loan in December 2003. He went on to make five appearances for the side before returning to Watford in mid–January 2004. McNamee was sent on loan to League One side Crewe Alexandra in March 2007 for the remainder of the season. He made his Crewe Alexandra debut on 24 March 2007, starting the match before coming off in the 82nd minutes, in a 1–0 loss against Rotherham United. He played five times for the Railwaymen. On 18 January 2008, was sold to League One side Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee.