December 5th 2024.
David Beckham took to social media to honor the late Kath Phipps, a beloved receptionist for Manchester United who passed away at the age of 85. Beckham, who played for the club from 1993 to 2002, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram in remembrance of Kath.
Kath joined Manchester United back in 1968 as a switchboard operator and remained a part of the club for over 55 years, holding various roles throughout her time there. She was a cherished member of the community and an icon in her own right, having worked under legendary manager Sir Matt Busby and alongside iconic players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles.
Many have been mourning Kath's passing, with those who knew her sharing their grief since the news broke. Beckham, who formed a close bond with Kath during his time at the club, shared a photo of him holding her hand and wrote, "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."
In 2022, Kath was honored with the League Managers Association's Service to Football award, and she received her trophy alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick. Manchester United also paid tribute to Kath, describing her as an "omnipresent figure" at the club and highlighting her contributions that went beyond her job title.
Kath's impact on the club and its players was evident, with Beckham sharing that she promised his parents to "look after [him]" when he moved to Manchester at the age of 15. He added, "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."
Kath's passing has been felt deeply by not only the club and its players but also by fans. She was a one-woman institution, whose presence will be dearly missed. In 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, players and staff made sure to visit Kath at home, and she was also visited by former players who wanted to ensure she had company. Her dedication and contributions to the club did not go unnoticed, with her receiving tributes from various players and staff members.
Rest in peace, Kath. Ex-players and fans have been sharing their memories of her, honoring a woman who truly embodied the heart of Manchester United. If you have a story to share about Kath, please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
