Sir Alex unveils Carrington plaque

Sir Alex Ferguson has unveiled a plaque to commemorate the incredible service of the person who was the face at Carrington, the much-missed Kath Phipps.

The permanent tribute is in place as part of the new build at our base, remembering the incredibly popular receptionist who worked at the club for over 55 years before sadly passing away last December.

Sir Alex worked alongside Kath throughout his tenure as manager of the club and remains indebted for the help and support she provided on a daily basis.

“I’m going to unveil this plaque for Kath Phipps, this was her desk here,” he said. “She was a sweetheart, an absolute sweetheart. This was her life. When she lost her husband 20 years ago, this was her life. Every day. She was a real sweetheart, loved by everyone. An exceptional person.

‘This was her life’ Video

‘This was her life’

Sir Alex Ferguson unveils a special plaque to our long-term receptionist Kath Phipps, at Carrington…

“So my desk was a mess, an awful mess, and she decided to tidy it up. I’d come back in and I had one pile of abusive letters, a second one from kids in hospital, the next one players’ fathers. Hundreds of letters. She’d say the poor kids, you need to write to this kid, to this father. I said Cath, there’s hundreds there but she said I had to do it because that’s your job. Fantastic.

“Every day, my desk was a mess and I depended on Kath to sort it out. She was a fantastic person – 55 years at Manchester United, it’s a record. No-one has been at this club 55 years. I was honoured to be here for 27 years. Imagine being here for 55 years! Such a devoted person doing it and a real miss. A real loss to this club. I’m going to unveil this plaque and thank her for the wonderful person she was and for Manchester United.”

The plaque itself reads: “In memory of Kath Phipps. The welcoming heart of Manchester United for 56 years.

“‘Work hard and smile, you’re at Manchester United’.”

In addition to this touching tribute, Kath’s ashes were scattered under a tree outside the reception area at Carrington. A private ceremony marking the occasion took place earlier this week.

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