Tributes pouring in for Kath Phipps
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Thursday 05 December 2024 16:01
The Manchester United family is paying tribute to the late Kath Phipps, following the announcement of her passing at the age of 85.
The lifelong Red from Irlam began working as the club’s switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds' first European Cup success.
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. As such, she touched the lives of so many people across the game.
Our men’s and women’s players were informed of the news before Thursday's announcement and many have paid tribute to Kath on social media, with respective captains Bruno Fernandes and Maya Le Tissier sharing the club’s video in her honour. A number of other Reds have written personal posts…
A tribute to Kath Phipps Video
A tribute to Kath PhippsA lifelong Red, Kath Phipps worked at the club for over 55 years, and her contribution soared beyond any job title...
Casemiro: "Rest in peace, Kath."
Diogo Dalot: “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything what Man United is about. Rest in peace Kath, we love you.”
Jonny Evans: “A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace Kath Phipps.”
Harry Maguire: “A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”
Lisandro Martinez: “An important question: what legacy will I leave behind? You gave so much for all of us, above all with the love you showed as you greeted us every day. You made me feel at home from day one. Rest in peace, Kath.”
Marcus Rashford: “Awful news, admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed.”
Jadon Sancho: “I’m grateful that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind-hearted soul. She always made sure I was ok and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath. My condolences go out to her family through this tough time.”
Luke Shaw: “Special woman, you’ll be missed.”
Ella Toone: “An amazing lady who always had a smile on her face. One of the United Family who will forever be missed.”
FORMER PLAYERS AND STAFF
Read a selection of the tributes to Kath that are pouring in …
Andy Cole: “RIP Kath. One special lady, a real MUFC legend.”
David De Gea: “Thanks for taking care of everyone.”
Mary Earps: “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.”
Patrice Evra: “RIP Kath. Losing a family member is never easy.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Kath. An absolute mainstay of Manchester United. Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile. Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless and would put others first. RIP.”
Phil Jones: “Thanks for everything. An amazing, special woman. Rest in peace, Kath.”
Jesse Lingard: “The most amazing, kindest and loving women you could ever meet. Put smiles on faces every time we walked through the door. Rest easy Kath, condolences to the family.”
Scott McTominay: “You were loved and adored by everyone Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace.”
John O’Shea: “The heart and soul of the club. RIP Kath.”
Gallery
The childhood Red from Irlam saw it all, after becoming our switchboard operator in 1968.
Mike Phelan: “RIP Kath Phipps. The real Assistant Manager.”
Wayne Rooney: “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.”
Alessia Russo: “One of the loveliest people ever. A true legend.”
Louis Saha: “I’m so sad!!! Everyone affiliated to the club knows what she meant for us players and staff. She was our guaranteed smile and support. She was so Manchester United. Peace and Love Kath.”
Peter Schmeichel: “I’m gonna miss you so much, thanks for being you, for always looking after me and not least for opening Old Trafford up when I, as a young man unannounced came in to your reception, asking if it was possible to see the pitch for just one minute. You had no idea who I was, no idea that I one day would be playing for your beloved team, but you got the gate opened and I got my first glimpse at the most beautiful football stadium in the world. At the time I didn’t know that I would spend most afternoons sat next to you sorting out my fan mail having a cup of tea and a chat. Manchester united through and through, with the heart and soul of the club ingrained in you, that’s how I will remember you. Coming to Old Trafford in the future will be different from now on. Rest in peace Kath.”
The United family has been paying tribute to a true legend of the club.
Paul Scholes: “The heart and soul of our special football club. She will be sadly missed by all impossible to replace. RIP Kath.”
Casey Stoney: “Kath was one of the first people I met at United. She was kind, warm and caring. When Kath was on that front desk you always felt welcome. She was Manchester United.”
Edwin van der Sar: “From the first moment I stepped into Carrington when I signed for Manchester United in 2005 you made me feel at home! Thanks for the memories and the kindness you always gave to everyone around you. Our condolences to the family and friends and off course staff of the club. Annemarie, Joe, Lynn and Edwin.”
Raphael Varane: “Forever a legend of our club. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace Kath.”
Danny Webber: “The world has lost a special one.”
Norman Whiteside: “Kath, we first met in 1978 when I was on trial. Such a lovely lady, she will be sadly missed from the Man Utd family. RIP.”
Ashley Young: “RIP Kath. Like losing a family member. Absolute heart and soul of our United family. Condolences and prayers with her family.”
Thursday 05 December 2024 16:01
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