Ipswich Town's "Queen of Portman Road" who worked with the likes of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson has retired after seven decades at the club.
In 1954, Pat Godbold applied to be a secretary to then manager Scott Duncan, and as soon as the 19-year-old walked through the gates she fell in love with the club.
Fast forward to 2024 and a distinguished list of guests, including former players, gathered at Portman Road to celebrate her last day, greeting the 89-year-old with a standing ovation.
Pat, who is Ipswich born and bred, said: "When I first came here chickens were running around there."
"I am very, very proud. I can't believe this has all happened just for me.
"Apart from my family, this has been my life."
After Scott Duncan's departure, she would go on to work with every Town manager up to George Burley, and was most notably the personal assistant to Sir Bobby Robson for more than three decades.
Pat said: "Every manager had his own peculiarities, but he (Sir Bobby) just seemed to be able to get over to people and think about everybody, including young apprentices coming through and ground staff boys.
"As he did for the top-class international players he brought through, the likes of George Burley, Alan Brazil and Russell Osman.
"He was a fantastic man to work for 36 years."
In 1994 Pat began working part-time at the club as an archivist, a post she has held until her retirement aged 89.
She added that this was the right time for her to retire, but she hopes to keep in touch with all the players, a lot of whom are huge fans of her.
The most recent person to join her fan club was CEO Mark Ashton.
He noted on his first day as chief executive three years ago, Pat came knocking on his door to welcome him and tell him what the club stands for.
He said: "I don't think any words really do this justice, this is 70 years of life devoted to a football club which is quite incredible.
"If you look across all the football clubs in the world, you aren't going to find many special stories like this."
He added that as far as he is concerned Pat was royalty at the club before Matt Holland expanded on it and called her the "Queen of Portman Road."
"You have seen it all, first division champions in 1962, FA Cup winners in '78, UEFA Cup winners in 1981, and nine promotions," he said speaking to Pat on stage.
"Pat, you truly are everything good about Ipswich Town."
He was joined by Simon Milton, who said: "We've known each other a very long time and in that time I can't count how many times I used to come to you for help.
"It has been fantastic working with you ever since, you're a vital part of the football club, and you have got a lifetime at this very special club."
65-year-old defender Terry Butcher added to the praise and said that without Pat, Sir Bobby Robson could not have achieved all that he did.
"A lot of players, managers and staff have come and gone during Pat's time at Portman Road but each one has been helped and looked after," he added.
John Wark added: "She reminded us to be on time everywhere, or else if we were ever late she would make us pay the fine to the manager."
Among Pat's long list of achievements is receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk and a League Manager's Association award celebrating her years of service.
Mark Ashton said that Pat is allowed into the ground anytime she likes and has already got seats to the Liverpool season opener in the Premier League on August 17.
In return, the 89-year-old said that she is looking forward to this season but added "I am just scared of the big boys".
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