United mourns the passing of Kath Phipps

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.

A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.

Watch our tribute to Kath following the sad news of her passing.

Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, 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. For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.

If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.

“I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here,” she said in a 2023 interview, marking her 55th anniversary at the club. “I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here. Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”

Kath’s contribution to the cause was always recognised by those around her. When her husband, Richard, passed away, Sir Alex Ferguson took his squad along to the funeral to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with Kath as she grieved. During 2020’s mid-pandemic lockdown, she was visited at home by players and staff members who wanted to ensure she had company. In 2022, she was recognised by the League Managers’ Association with a Service to Football award, prompting public tributes from David Beckham, Gary Neville and others who appreciated her role in their careers and in the day-to-day workings of the club.

Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. 

Rest in peace, Kath.

Recommended:

• Remembering Kath Phipps

   Gallery

  The childhood Red from Irlam saw it all, after becoming our switchboard operator in 1968.

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