Manchester United have announced the death of their long-serving receptionist and Irlam resident Kath Phipps aged 85.
Kath Phipps, from Irlam, was known as the ‘face of Carrington’ and worked for the club for over 55 years.
She was a staff member at Manchester United for almost 60 years, working first at the stadium office before becoming the main receptionist at Carrington and on match days.
Speaking on the club’s website last year, she discussed getting the job at United and said: “I knew the girl who had the job before me on the switchboard. She lived in Irlam, where I lived.”
The lifelong Reds fan was an immensely popular figure with everyone at the club which she joined four months after Sir Matt Busby led them to European Cup glory in 1968.
She arrived as a telephone switchboard operator in September 1968 and originally worked at Old Trafford in the stadium offices and on match days, before former manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought her to Carrington training ground in 2000.
Phipps won the League Managers Association’s Service to Football award in 2022, which was presented to her by legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
An adored member of the Manchester United family.
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Kath Phipps ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2024
Manchester United said in a statement: “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.
“Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her,” the statement added.
“She said last year: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else’. Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”
Wayne Rooney has led tributes to Phipps on social media, as other players and staff have joined in posting emotional tributes.
On Instagram, the record goalscorer for the Red Devils posted: “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. Thoughts with family and friends.”
Former United captain Patrice Evra posted a photograph of him and Phipps that said: “R.I.P Kath, Losing a family member is never easy.”
He also commented under Manchester United’s tribute saying: “She was the best thanks my Kath, I love you soo much rest in peace angel.”
Gary Neville, ex-Manchester United defender and majority shareholder of Salford City has also paid tribute to the United legend, saying “All my love Kath” and posted a broken heart emoji on his Instagram story.
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