Manchester United has lost one of its most iconic figures with the passing of Kath Phipps, the club’s former receptionist, who dedicated 56 years of her life to the club. Her death has prompted numerous tributes.
Kath Phipps was already there long before the era of Cristiano Ronaldo, Éric Cantona, and even Sir Alex Ferguson. She joined Manchester United at the end of the 1960s, witnessing the club’s evolution and the arrival of some of the greatest legends of the Red Devils over the decades. An iconic and beloved figure, this receptionist, known and respected by all, left a lasting impact within the club. Her passing, announced by the Premier League club on Thursday, has sparked an outpouring of emotion and reactions within the Manchester community.
Tributes to Kath Phipps are pouring in from all sides. Manchester United described her as an “omnipresent figure since the late 1960s,” even calling her an “institution in her own right.” In its tribute, the club highlighted the remarkable life of this exceptional woman, who passed away at the age of 85 after dedicating more than 55 years to the Red Devils. “Kath held various roles over the years, but her contribution went far beyond her job description. An essential employee in the staff offices, she became a familiar face at the entrance for directors on matchdays before taking on the role of receptionist at the training ground (…).”
A true legend of Manchester United
The statement also emphasized the impact of her warm personality: “For regulars, she greeted everyone with warm hugs and friendly chats, perfectly embodying the family atmosphere that is a hallmark of the club’s culture.” Reactions from former players came quickly, including one from Wayne Rooney, who described Kath Phipps as “the heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything that defines the essence of the club. A legend we will miss dearly. Thank you for the memories, Kathy.”
Gary Neville and Patrice Evra also paid tribute to Kath Phipps on social media. The Frenchman expressed his emotions, saying, “Losing a family member is never easy.” Meanwhile, Harry Maguire honored Kath’s memory, calling her a “legend who will never be forgotten.”
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