Win over Middlesbrough was Sue Beaumont’s last of 27 years at Town
- Sue Beaumont thanks Huddersfield Town supporters
- Sue retires after an incredible 27 years with the Terriers
- Heartfelt message from Town’s Ticket Office Manager
After 27 years it is ironic that I am retiring following a game against Middlesbrough.
One of my earliest Town memories is of a visit to Ayresome Park with my family on 31 March 1970 to see Town clinch promotion from the old Division Two. Little did I know that 23 years later I would start my dream job which would see a further four promotions and include eight play-off campaigns with 5 finals at 4 different venues.
After starting work as a part timer in the office in August 1993 I was soon full time and my first season not only included Town’s first trip to Wembley in 38 years but also the final match at Leeds Road against Blackpool. The staff then moved out of Leeds Road and into a terraced house near the old ground– selling season tickets for the new stadium from the front room – with boxes full of money under the table covered by a tablecloth – very secure!!!
The move to the stadium took place two days before the first match against Wycombe Wanderers in August 1994. It was a great season topped off with promotion to the First Division, preceded by one of my favourite memories, the Play off Semi Final at Brentford, a fantastic night. Wembley tickets soon went on sale and it was all hands on deck most people paid cash – there was no need to record details and queues snaked round the building - we were getting used to this Wembley lark and this time we won!!
There have been many memorable league games, cup games, promotions and relegations and there was administration - which was followed by an unbelievable season of togetherness and teamwork both on and off the pitch when all the staff felt a big part of the play off final win at the Millennium Stadium.
There have been millions of tickets, record numbers of season tickets, record attendances, nine Chairmen – 28 Managers (including interim) and an unbelievable two seasons in the Premier League which was exceptionally hard work but something I feel very fortunate to have been involved in.
There are lots of things I will miss - my colleagues at the club, especially Ann who I have worked alongside for over 27 years, the buzz of a matchday (when they eventually return), interaction with the supporters and of course my team in the Ticket Office – I have had some wonderful staff during my time at the Club – a quick count took me past 75 with three great assistants in Rachel, Sue and Dan they have all been fantastic and many have gone on to great things!!! I know that Dan will continue to lead the team with professionalism with the help of Jennah, Tommy, Michelle, Reuben and Fran.
Don’t tell anyone but I am the proud Mum of two Terry the Terriers Daniel cocked his leg against the goal posts and mooned at the away supporters for seven years and Marcus then took over for the next seven years which included a particularly memorable dancing routine at Bradford City when did a strictly style lift with a cheerleader!! I would like to thank them, and my partner Andy for putting up with me bringing work home, working weekends and evenings. I am now looking forward to plenty of walking, cooking and hopefully travelling to Australia to see our grandchildren.
The last eight months have brought challenges to everyone that no-one had every imagined and it has been a pleasure speaking to so many of you and trying to help where we could. I am passionate about customer service and thank you all for your support, your ideas, your complaints, your feedback and your thanks – we do take notice. I look forward to seeing you all in the crowd soon.
Take Care
Sue
