Tributes pour in for Kath

Kath was a much-loved member of the matchday team at St. James’ Park for more than half a century and her beaming smile, warm Geordie welcome and hot cups of tea were a familiar sight to many managers, players and members of the media over the years.

Kath, who lived in Wallsend, sadly passed away on Monday, aged 90.

Players and managers remember Kath

Kath was described by Kevin Keegan - her favourite manager during her time at the club - as “irreplaceable” and fellow former managers and players have also paid tribute to her.

Newcastle United’s record goalscorer, Alan Shearer, said: "Kath was such a special lady and a huge fan. She devoted so much of her life to Newcastle United.

“Kath will be sadly missed but I'm honoured to have known such a lovely person."

Former manager Alan Pardew had a special bond with Kath. “Kath was the best,” he said.

“When she arrives at heaven’s gate, I’m sure God will present her with a large gold teapot to prepare tea for all those worthy of her humour, spirit and feisty personality.

“In my time, she was loved by one and all. It was a privilege to have known her. God bless, Kath.”

Another of Kath’s favourites, former Magpies boss and now Brighton manager, Chris Hughton, said: “I spent three years at Newcastle which was a brilliant experience and Kath was always a big part of that. 

“I would see her every home match day and she always wished me well. Win, lose or draw, she would always seek me out.

“Kath was a huge part of my time at the club and a more respected person you couldn't wish to meet. She will be forever remembered and forever loved.”

Another former manager, Alan Pardew, had a close bond with Kath. "Kath was the best," he said. 

"When she arrives at heaven's gate, God will present her with a large gold teapot to prepare tea for all those worthy of her humour, spirit and feisty personality.

"In my time, she was loved by one and all. It was a privilege to have known her.  God bless, Kath."

Fairs Cup-winning captain, Bob Moncur, who joined the club in 1962, just a year before Kath, said: “It's amazing to think that Kath came to the club at roughly the same time as me, just over 50 years ago.

“She was part of the team and a much loved lady. Always smiling, happy and a truly wonderful person. 

“I know first-hand how all the media lads and lasses liked her too and her memory will live forever at the club.”

Malcolm 'Supermac' Macdonald, who regularly had a cup of tea and a chat with Kath during his media commitments in recent years, said: “I'm deeply saddened. She was such a lovely soul in the press room, the heart and soul of Newcastle United. 

“She lived and breathed Newcastle United and was such a loving and caring person, so much so that everyone in the press room felt related to her.

“Kath was a real treasure and a truly lovely, lovely lady.” 

Ex-Magpies coach John Carver, said: “It's sad to hear the news. Kath was a huge part of the Newcastle United family, serving so many managers and coaches. 

“She always brought warmth, happiness and a great cup of tea. She will be missed but never forgotten.”

Former player and current Under-23s manager, Peter Beardsley, added: "I'll always remember Kath very fondly. She was a really lovely lady who made everyone feel at home in her company.

"Even though I'm not a tea drinker myself, it was her warmth, friendship and radiating personality that people will remember her for the most."

Media pays tribute

Meanwhile, members of the media have also paid tribute to football’s most famous tea lady, remembering her “broad smile” and her ability to light up the press room.

BBC Look North’s Jeff Brown, said: “Kath was a lovely, warm, twinkly-eyed lady, who looked after me like a mum from the day I covered my first game at St. James’ Park for The Journal, 31 years ago this month.”  

A number of journalists from local, national and international titles have also taken time to remember Kath. 

Scott Wilson, the Northern Echo’s chief sports writer, tweeted: “It's people like this that make a football club - really sorry to hear of Kath's passing. A genuinely lovely lady.”

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, wrote: “The only thing warmer than Kath’s tea was Kath herself. She didn’t care whether it was the work experience student visiting the press box for the first time, or the old hack who had been there as long as she had, she treated everyone with a smile and kindness.”

Meanwhile, St. James’ Park matchday host, Justin Lockwood, posted: “So sad to hear about Kath Cassidy. A lovely smile for everyone over the many years at St. James' Park press room. God bless you, Kath.”