DAVID BECKHAM has shared a touching message about the late Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps, who passed away on Thursday.
Kath, who has died aged 85, worked for Man Utd for 55 years and was a well-loved figure among all members of the club.
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David Beckham paid tribute to former Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: Beckham/Netflix
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Beckham shared this image on Instagram with a candid post about KathCredit: Instagram
Tributes have arrived for the woman who was the first to work as a Man Utd switchboard operator in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.
Beckham, who came through the Old Trafford youth ranks and spent more than a decade in the first team, posted his own heartbreaking message on social media.
He also revealed the promise Kath made to his parents that she kept during his time at the club.
Writing on Instagram under a picture of him holding his wife’s hand, he said: “Forever in our hearts.
“The first and last face I would always see was Kath sitting in reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me tickets for the game, she was the heart of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
“I moved to Manchester when I was 15 and Kath promised my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you, don’t worry’ and from that first day to the last day I spent with her that’s just who she is ❤️.
“Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors.
“We love you ❤️.”
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Patrice Evra also paid tribute to KathCredit: Instagram @patrice.evra
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Kath meets the new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Kath appeared in Beckham’s Netflix documentary 2023.
In it, she talks about his rise to fame – and all the fan mail he received.
Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at ’99’ documentary premiere
When asked if she remembers when Becks got his first fan mail, Kathy revealed, “I can’t honestly remember. It just piled up and piled up. All these young ladies were writing to him.”
Asked what they said, as Beckham revealed he had been sent underwear, she added with a faint smile: “It’s not nice to send underwear to a boyfriend. I put them away and didn’t reply.”
When she was asked at the time if it had come to his head, she firmly answered: “No”.
Kath also spoke about how he felt when the nation turned against Beckham after he was sent off in England’s round of 16 defeat to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
Kath said: “I didn’t like it at all, but I had no say in the matter. I’d like to say something, but you just can’t. You just keep (gagging) like I always did.”
The prized employee later spoke of watching the historic 2-1 win in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich from home.
She said watching the stunning highlight of her treble-winning season, when United equalized in the dying seconds with a goal from a Beckham corner: “I said to my husband at the time, before he passed away, ‘Oh God, I’m going to make a cup of coffee.’ .
“They scored a goal and he said, ‘It’s going to overtime’. Then I said, ‘Oh, I’m going then’. I went out again.”
She has built a strong bond with a number of Man Utd players – which was evident in the huge reaction to her departure.
Red Devils record goalscorer Wayne Rooney said: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything the club is about.
“A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”
While Paul Scholes replied: “Heart and soul of our special football club, he will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace… RIP Kath.”
Harry Maguire added: “A legend that will never be forgotten.
“I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”
Jonny Evans said: “A ray of light every day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps.”
And Patrice Evra shared a picture with Kath and said: “Losing a family member [is] never easy.”
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Kath appeared in 99 Beckham and United documentaries
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