Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and club icon David Beckham were among Manchester United greats, players and staff who attended the funeral of Kath Phipps, who died in December
Manchester United‘s past and present stars have come together to pay their respects to club legend Kath Phipps.
The beloved receptionist, who died at the age of 85 in early December, had dedicated 56 years of her life to the club, joining back in September 1968 under Sir Matt Busby’s reign. Starting as a switchboard operator, Kath eventually found herself welcoming guests at Old Trafford’s director’s entrance and Carrington’s training ground entrance.
Her warm personality endeared her to players and legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who recognised her immense contribution to the club. Sir Alex was among the mourners at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon, where he delivered a heartfelt eulogy.
He was joined by David Beckham, his parents Sandra and Ted, and former players including Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin, Phil Jones and John O’Shea.The current squad also attended the solemn event, led by manager Ruben Amorim, captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran player Jonny Evans. Beckham, who shared a close bond with Kath, visited her last year before her passing.
He took to social media to express his grief and highlight her significance to the club, reports the Mirror. He penned: “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.”
At the time, United expressed in a statement: “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,’ read the club’s statement announcing her death.
“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.
“If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, 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.
“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.”