Lee Clark undertook an extraordinary cross-country dash to reach Brisbane Road for today's League One fixture against Leyton Orient, according to major media reports. He returned to his native North East from London following the passing of his mother-in-law last night, multiple reports indicate. His mother-in-law Helen passed away on Friday night, the reports state, and he returned home to the North East from the team's hotel in London to be with his partner Rachael yesterday evening.
Following conversations with the family, Lee Clark decided to travel back to London to take charge of the team at Leyton Orient, according to major media. Clark boarded a train from Newcastle back to London this morning at 7:57 am, major media reports. However, the train service came to a halt outside Doncaster, South Yorkshire, due to a broken-down train on the line, according to the reports.
Everyone at Rotherham United would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to our first team manager Lee Clark following the sad news of the passing of his mother-in-law Helen on Friday night.
He then flagged down a taxi and was estimated to arrive at Brisbane Road at around 2:30 pm, half an hour before kick-off, major media states. Due to further delays, Lee Clark is now expected to arrive at Brisbane Road at 2:59 pm, making it unlikely he will be able to give a team talk, the reports indicate. Lee Clark is the manager of Rotherham United, a League One team, according to major media.
He is 53 years old, multiple reports indicate. Rotherham United have been relegated, the reports state. Assistant manager Peter Leven will conduct post-match media duties at the BetWright Stadium to allow Lee Clark to return to support his family at the earliest opportunity, according to major media.
Lee returned home to the North East from the team’s hotel in London to be with his partner Rachael yesterday evening, and, following conversations between the family has taken the decision to travel back to London to take charge of the team at Leyton Orient.
Lee Clark played for both Newcastle and Sunderland, major media reports.
In an effort to ensure that Lee can be back to support his family at the earliest possible opportunity, the club can confirm that assistant manager Peter Leven will conduct post-match media duties at the BetWright Stadium.
We know that our supporters will join us in extending their deepest sympathies to Lee, Rachael and the wider McArdle family and share our gratitude to him for the complicated logistical challenges he has navigated to take manage the team at Leyton Orient.