Pat Godbold, who worked for nine Blues managers, was honoured with an LMA Service to Football Award at last night’s 27th LMA (League Managers Association) Annual Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in tribute to her 65 years working at Portman Road.

Godbold joined the club in 1954 as then-boss Scott Duncan’s secretary and went on to work for every subsequent manager - Sir Alf Ramsey, Jackie Milburn, Bill McGarry, Sir Bobby Robson, Bobby Ferguson, John Duncan and John Lyall - until retiring from full-time work during George Burley’s time in the hotseat in 1997.

Born in 1935, she continues to work at the club as archivist, is involved in the organisation of the annual ex-players’ dinner and can still be spotted around Portman Road on a matchday.

“It’s amazing, I can’t believe it," Godbold told TWTD. "I was so excited and overwhelmed when I heard the news that I was going to be honoured in this way because it’s one of those things you just don’t think about.

“I didn’t realise that when they did the League Managers Association Awards that they did awards for people who aren’t managers. It’s fantastic. I’m so pleased."

Godbold, who sat with Sam Allardyce and Sammy Lee at the dinner, received the award from her former boss Burley, while ex-Blues chairman David Sheepshanks was also in attendance, as was another one-time Town manager John Duncan and former striker Chris Kiwomya.

Last year Godbold received an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk.

I have known Pat since I joined Ipswich town as a player in 1987. She had already had about 35 years under her belt then! Amazing woman and credit to the glorious game of football 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 @henrywinter https://t.co/DyzIMpTrUf– Simon Milton (@Milts25) May 15, 2019

Photo: ITFC

PositivelyPortman added 09:12 - May 15 Totally dedicated to the Blues. If anybody should have a statue in the future, then it should be Pat Godbold.
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herfie added 09:50 - May 15 Huge congratulations to Pat, on a richly deserved award. No better, or more loyal, servant to the Club who epitomises the values and commitment of a true supporter. Managers, owners and players come and go, there have been good and bad times stretching over her long association, but like a rock and beacon of blue light Pat has dedicated a major part of her life to a cause that us mere mortals often bemoan or despair of! COYB and COPG!

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BlueBlood90 added 09:51 - May 15 Congratulations Pat and thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for the club!
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ArnieM added 10:18 - May 15 Congratulation Pat. If ever anyone ever deserved a statue it's this lady !
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muccletonjoe added 10:24 - May 15 How wonderful. Restored a little faith in the honours system
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itfchorry added 10:37 - May 15 Fully deserved to a very special lady - There's only one Mrs Ipswich
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clive_baker added 10:53 - May 15 I was so chuffed to read this today. What fantastic and loyal service to the club, and imagine the transformation of the game / industry in general that she's witnessed in her time, and the glory years of Sir Bobby right through to administration etc. Our paths have crossed but I don't know Pat personally, however should you read this; thank you, and all the best to you.

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barrystedmunds added 11:24 - May 15 Pity the members of the footballing team couldn't have shown the same level of commitment, dedication, loyalty and love of the club as this amazing lady has over the years.
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therein61 added 11:29 - May 15 Off field legend, very well deserved.
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Razor added 11:31 - May 15 Never has an award been so deserved-----MRS IPSWICH is absolutely right!
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TimmyH added 13:12 - May 15 I think if your surname ends in'bold' look for employment at Ipswich Town Football Club - we have a history of these people doing good for the club. Well done Pat and rightfully honoured!
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Kesblue66 added 13:32 - May 15 A wonderful career by a dedicated lady.She must been a lovely person to survive nine managers.She was born to same year as myself,and joined ITFC the same year i joined the RAF.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 13:39 - May 15 Congratulations, Pat, on this amazing record. Brings tear to my eyes. May you have many more happy years at ITFC.
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Cloddyseedbed added 14:18 - May 15 Lovely woman who has devoted her life to Ipswich Town. She sits in the same block as me on a match day and is so friendly and has time for every one. Well done Pat.
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TractorBeezer added 15:09 - May 15 Congratulations Pat. I bet that you have plenty of stories!
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SpiritOfJohn added 15:16 - May 15 Richly deserved recognition for amazing service to the club we love and football in general. I met Pat in her capacity as archivist and she was very helpful. ITFC has an amazing collection of stuff from our glory years. I recall seeing one of the ash trays that were presented to each of the first team squad that won one of the leagues during Ramsey's reign. How times have changed!

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Bergholtblue added 17:00 - May 15 Working for 65 years is worthy of an award, but at one club is a remarkable achievement. She has certainly seen some changes over the years that is for certain. I wonder who her favourite manager was. With Sheepshanks, Duncan and Chris Kiwomya in attendance, why did she sit with Sam Allerdyce and Sammy Lee? Or did she not have a choice in the matter.
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londontractorboy57 added 19:45 - May 15 One of the many unsung heroes of Portman Road Congratulations and well done.
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