Manchester United Bids Farewell to Longtime Receptionist Kath Phipps
In a somber announcement, Manchester United has shared the news of the passing of Kath Phipps, their beloved receptionist of 55 years. Phipps, who warmly greeted and bid farewell to legendary footballers like David Beckham, is being honored with heartfelt tributes from those whose lives she touched. At 85 years old, her death has left a void that is being mourned by many.
The Heart of Manchester United
To truly grasp the affection and respect that footballers have for Phipps, one need only look at the outpouring of messages from them. David Beckham, visibly affected by the loss, expressed his sentiments on Instagram: “Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I always saw was Kath’s sitting at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.” Alongside his words, Beckham shared a photo of himself holding hands with the eternal receptionist.
Phipps was not only admired by Beckham but also featured in his own Netflix documentary. “She was the heart of Manchester United, everybody knew who Kath was and everybody loved her,” Beckham said of the woman who passed away at 85. He went on to describe their close relationship, highlighting how she always looked after and supported him throughout his career. “I moved to Manchester when I was 15 years old and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: ‘I will look after your son for you, don’t worry,’ and from that first day to the last day I spent with her, that’s exactly what she did,” Beckham shared. “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile when we walk through those doors… We love you,” he concluded.
A Life as a Red Devil
Kath Phipps began her journey with Manchester United in 1968 as the club’s first telephone operator during Sir Matt Busby’s reign. In May 2022, after over five decades of dedicated service as a Red Devil, she was honored with the Football Service Award. Beckham acknowledged that the “incredible” receptionist truly deserved this recognition for her contributions to football and to United as a whole.
Manchester United expressed their deep sadness in a statement, announcing the passing of their beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. They highlighted her pivotal role in ensuring that every visitor to Carrington received the warmest of welcomes: “An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for more than 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”
For the countless footballers who shared the pitch with Kath Phipps, these words, gestures, and memories will forever be etched in Manchester United’s history. As the club’s statement concludes, “For regulars, that greeting extended to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the family atmosphere that underpinned the club’s culture.”
