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Tributes Pour In For Retiring Tea Lady
Written by Newcastle Utd
Legendary tea lady, Kath Cassidy, has stepped down from her matchday duties at St. James' Park after 52 years
Newcastle United's legendary tea lady, Kath Cassidy, has stepped down from her matchday duties at St. James' Park after 52 years of fantastic, unwavering service.
Kath, much-loved by colleagues and all those who visited the Club on matchdays, has served tea to dozens of Newcastle United heroes over the years, including the likes of Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan, as well as opposition managers and hundreds of journalists who regularly attend games at St. James' Park.
Kath and her family will be guests of the Club on Sunday against Norwich to celebrate her outstanding service to Newcastle United, and tributes have been pouring in for the 88-year-old, who started her role back in 1963.
Here are just a few of accolades sent in from some of the most famous names in football:
"I haven't seen Kath this season but I remember her well from my visits with Middlesbrough.
"Always happy and welcoming, I wish you the very best in your retirement and thank you on behalf of the Club for your incredible service in making the perfect cup of tea for myself, fellow managers and members of the media."
Sir John Hall
"Kath's cup of tea was always perfect in my day and I thank her profusely for the dedication you have given to Newcastle United.
"Everyone at the Club and all the fans will thank you for your outstanding service and I wish you all the best in your retirement."
Arsene Wenger
"Dear Kath. I understand you are retiring after more than 50 years' service to Newcastle United.
"On behalf of everyone at Arsenal, we send you our best wishes for your retirement. Your loyalty and commitment is absolutely outstanding and is rightly being acknowledged by many in football.
"Here's to your health and happiness."
Kevin Keegan
"Kath, many many thanks for the way you looked after me during my times at St. James Park.
"Players can be replaced, managers can be replaced, but people like you, Kath, are irreplaceable. Enjoy your retirement. KK."
Alan Shearer
"Thanks, Kath. Everyone knows that two things make a football club - the fans and the tea lady - and we had the best of both.
"Always there with a kind word and friendly smile, it won't be the same without you. Good luck in your retirement."
Sir Alex Ferguson
"Enjoy your retirement Kath. Serving tea to the media cannot be an easy job so you well and truly deserve a long and happy retirement!"
"There have been many heroes down the years at St. James's Park but Kath, you have been the real legend.
"I remember in the 1990s when Kevin was here, we always thought we'd win when we saw you before the game.
"Loved by all, I wish you the very best in your retirement."
Malcolm Macdonald
"No matter the result or the weather, Kath's smile and a steaming cuppa poured by her with love cheered and warmed me always.
"Kath, I can't thank you enough for your kindness and warmth. Lots of love."
Chris Hughton
"I have many special memories of my time at Newcastle United and Kath is certainly one of them.
"I always looked forward to seeing her and the welcome was never any different whether we won or lost.
"Kath is a really special lady that fully deserves to have the recognition that she has."
"Kath is more than just a tea lady. She is a larger-than-life character who could have graced any situation.
"I loved her as a real friend, she always had a kind word or a friendly joke whatever the situation. She is real North-East gem that anyone who met her would testify.
"Her family are just as lovely and I wish her and them a very happy retirement."
Bob Moncur
"Kath has been a wonderful tea lady but, above all else, a truly wonderful person, too.
"She has been ever-present in the press room here since the late 1960s when I was playing for the Club.
"I know all the journalists who visit St. James' Park and all her colleagues and friends throughout the club will wish her all the very best for the future."