Kath Phipps ‘Forever In Our Hearts’

The Manchester United family is grieving the passing of Kath Phipps, a cherished colleague and lifelong Red who worked at the club for over 55 years. Phipps, who died at the age of 85, was an omnipresent figure at United since the late 1960s, serving in various roles that went beyond any particular job title.

A childhood fan from Irlam, Phipps became the club’s switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after United’s first European Cup success. She quickly forged friendships with legendary figures such as Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy, and the star-studded squad, including Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, as she assisted them in signing autographs for fans.

Throughout her tenure, Phipps became a key member of the club’s office staff, a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance, and the training ground receptionist, ensuring visitors to Carrington were greeted with the warmest of welcomes. Her positive attitude and familial approach underpinned the club’s culture, as she was always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them, be they megastar footballers, casual staff, or occasional visitors.

In a 2023 interview marking her 55th anniversary at the club, Phipps said, “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here. Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”

Phipps’ contribution to the club was recognized by those around her. When her husband, Richard, passed away, Sir Alex Ferguson took his squad to the funeral to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with Phipps as she grieved. During the 2020 lockdown, players and staff visited her at home to ensure she had company. In 2022, the League Managers’ Association honored her with a Service to Football award, prompting public tributes from David Beckham, Gary Neville, and others who appreciated her role in their careers and the club’s day-to-day operations.

The Manchester United family has been paying tribute to Phipps, with current and former players, managers, and staff sharing their memories and condolences. Wayne Rooney described her as “the heart and soul of Man Utd,” while David Beckham called her “the first and last face I would always see” and credited her with looking after him from the day he arrived at the club as a 15-year-old.

“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,” said Beckham.

Peter Schmeichel also paid a touching tribute, adding “I’m gonna miss you so much, thanks for being you, for always looking after me and not least for opening Old Trafford up when I, as a young man unannounced came in to your reception, asking if it was possible to see the pitch for just one minute. You had no idea who I was, no idea that I one day would be playing for your beloved team, but you got the gate opened and I got my first glimpse at the most beautiful football stadium in the world. At the time I didn’t know that I would spend most afternoons sat next to you sorting out my fan mail having a cup of tea and a chat. Manchester united through and through, with the heart and soul of the club ingrained in you, that’s how I will remember you. Coming to Old Trafford in the future will be different from now on. Rest in peace Kath.”

Phipps was a one-woman institution whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. As she said last year, “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” The club, in turn, cannot imagine Old Trafford without her.

Rest in peace, Kath Phipps, a true Manchester United legend.

WRITTEN BY

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the Founder of Futbol Chronicle and an accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every match report, player profile, and tactical analysis he writes.

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