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David Beckham wrote a moving tribute to Manchester United’s receptionist Kath Phipps after she passed away at the age of 85.
Kath joined United in 1968 as a switchboard operator and worked for the club for over 55 years in various roles, becoming a beloved fixture of the club and an icon in her own right.
She first worked under legendary manager Sir Matt Busby, while United was comprised of players like Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles.
Kath was central part of the community at the club, and those who knew her having been sharing their grief since news of her passing broke.
Beckham, who was with the club from 1993 to 2002, took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt message in remembrance of Kath.
Alongside a photo of him holding Phipps’ hand he wrote: ‘Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.
She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
‘I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: “I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry”, and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did ❤️.
‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you.’
In 2022, Kath received the League Managers Association’s Service to Football award and collected her trophy alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick.
United wrote in their tribute to Kath on Wednesday: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.
‘An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.
‘Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.
‘Kath’s contribution to the cause was always recognised by those around her. When her husband, Richard, passed away, Sir Alex Ferguson took his squad along to the funeral to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with Kath as she grieved.
‘During 2020’s mid-pandemic lockdown, she was visited at home by players and staff members who wanted to ensure she had company. In 2022, she was recognised by the League Managers’ Association with a Service to Football award, prompting public tributes from David Beckham, Gary Neville and others who appreciated her role in their careers and in the day-to-day workings of the club.
‘Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.
‘Rest in peace, Kath.’
Ex-players and fans of the club have been posting their memories of Kath in droves, memorializing a woman who embodied the heart at the center of English football.
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