'ONE-WOMAN INSTITUTION'
Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’
Tributes have poured in for the club icon
MANCHESTER UNITED icon Kath Phipps has passed away aged 85.
Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including as a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator, and was a hugely popular figure.
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United expressed their "sadness" and "heartbreak" at Kath's passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.
A statement read: "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.
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"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."
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Last year the club paid tribute to Kath with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the "heartbeat of United".
Kath's first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.
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Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.
Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix's David Beckham documentary.
In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award - Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the "amazing" receptionist "really deserved" the accolade "for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love".
He said she used to be "the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception" and he would be "forever grateful to her" for dealing with letters from his fans.
Ferguson said she was "and continues to be a great servant to the club" and the award was "thoroughly deserved".
Wayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: "The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.
"A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends."
United defender Diogo Dalot wrote: "You've seen it all. You truly represented everything Man Utd is about.
"Rest in peace Kath, we love you."
Former Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire said: "A legend that will never be forgotten.
"I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath."
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United legend Paul Scholes also spoke fondly of Kath, saying: "The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace...RIP Kath.";
Jonny Evans shared a photo of himself with Kath alongside the caption: "A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps."
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