Wayne Rooney has joined a host of Manchester United stars in mourning the death of the club's beloved receptionist Kath Phipps.
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Phipps dies aged 85Had been associated with the club since the 60sFormer & present Man Utd stars pay tributesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Kath began her journey with the club in 1968, serving as a telephone switchboard operator during the era of the legendary Sir Matt Busby. Over the decades, she held various roles, but her impact went far beyond the confines of her job description. She became a symbol of loyalty and warmth, embodying the spirit of Manchester United through generations of change.
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Phipps, whose association with the Red Devils spanned an extraordinary 55 years, was not only a devoted employee but also a beloved presence to players, and staff alike. Her passing, announced on Thursday, has led to an overwhelming response on social media from those fortunate enough to have known her including Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, and Marcus Rashford among others.
TRIBUTES TO KATH
Rooney created a collage of three pictures and wrote: "The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. My thoughts are with family and friends."
Harry Maguire added: "A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath."
Diogo Dalot wrote: "🤍😔 we love you Kath. Thank you for showing everyday what this club is about and taking care of us ❤️".
Patrice Evra said: "Losing a family member is never easy."
David de Gea said: "Such a wonderful woman! Thanks for taking care of everyone ❤️"
Mary Earps on her Instagram story wrote: "Heaven gained an incredible woman today. One of the first faces I met at United and made me feel at home straight away with her kind nature. So glad our worlds collided and we became friends. One of a kind and the heartbeat of the club. Rest easy Kath, you'll never be forgotten."
And Rashford wrote: "Awful news, admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed ❤️"
'HEARTBROKEN' MAN UTD ISSUE STATEMENT
Kath’s connection with the players extended beyond professional interactions. She formed meaningful relationships with many of them and even featured in Netflix’s acclaimed documentary about David Beckham. Beckham himself publicly honoured her contribution in May 2022 when she was presented with a prestigious Service to Football Award.
Manchester United put out a statement which 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.
"A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.
"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’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. Rest in peace, Kath."
