Sir Bobby's former secretary retires after 70 years

Former Ipswich Town players gathered on Thursday to wish Pat Godbold a happy retirement

The former secretary of two of England's most successful football managers has retired after 70 years at the same club.

Pat Godbold, 89, joined Ipswich Town in 1954, and worked alongside the likes of Sir Bobby Robson and the 1966 World Cup-winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey.

On Thursday the club posted photos of her retirement party on social media, describing her as "incredible".

Club ambassador and former Town player, Simon Milton, said he was "honoured" to co-host the ceremony.

Ms Godbold was personal assistant to former Ipswich Town boss Sir Bobby for 36 years

Ms Godbold had a parting message for Town as they look forward to a return to Premier League football.

"I’ve supported Town for many, many years and what I would say now is ‘keep going’.

"Let’s keep this going. I’m a bit worried about the big boys, but I have seen the ups and downs, the ins and outs and now is the time to get behind the club once again."

In a message posted on social media, the club said: "The incredible Pat Godbold has officially retired after 70 years of service to the club.

"Fittingly, her retirement party was held in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite, with plenty of former legends in attendance.

"Pat all we can say is thank you."

Former Town player Simon Milton said Ms Godbold was "football royalty"

Born in Ipswich in 1935, Ms Goldbold attended her first match at Portman Road with her father in 1946.

Eight years later she applied and was successful in gaining the post of secretary to the then-manager Scott Duncan.

She worked for nine managers in total, including Sir Alf, who led Ipswich from the Third Division South to the 1961-62 League Championship before he was called up to manage England the following season.

As well as supporting Sir Bobby Robson during his 13 years in charge at Ipswich, she also worked for him privately.

In 2019, she was given the League Managers Association (LMA) award for service to football at a ceremony in London, which she described as a "fantastic night".