Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson and his family had a traumatic Christmas when he nearly lost his wife with serious complications following the birth of their third child Agatha, a healthy 9lb bouncing baby girl in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Lee's wife Amanda had to be rushed into intensive care and for a time it was seriously touch and go.  

After being in hospital for over a week in Halifax, Amanda is now home and on the mend but the situation meant that the Blues manager had to miss a couple of games over the Christmas period.

Lee Richardson said: "It was a very close call and a situation that highlights the real priorities in your life.  I am grateful to the support I received from the club as the chairman insisted I take some time off and Alan and the lads did the business on the field with super results."

Lee Richardson, who is seen above receiving flowers for his wife Amanda from the Chesterfield Supporters Club, added: "I want to thank everyone for their special messages of support during this difficult time for my family.  The one person at the middle of all this Agatha is lovely but oblivious to all the trouble she has caused."  

In recognition of the wonderful service received from the staff in the maternity unit in Halifax, Lee is aiming to publicise their plight in being completely overwhelmed with work and lack of resources following a recent NHS re-organisation in the Halifax area.