David Beckham paid a secret visit to Manchester United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps before she died.
The 85-year-old was an Old Trafford employee for 56 years but sadly passed and a host of club greats paid tribute to the woman who was an ever present. Beckham even made a quick trip to ensure he saw Kath, travelling to her home two weeks before her death.
Kath’s death was announced on Thursday and a source told The Sun: “David made it his mission to go to see Kath at home. It was an incredibly emotional moment.”
Beckham posted a photo of him holding Kath's hand on Instagram alongside a post detailing his affection for her. He shares how Kath reassured his parents that she'd look after him following his move from London to Manchester when he first joined the club as a youngster.
He wrote: "Forever in our hearts... The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game , she was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
"I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad 'I'll look after your boy for you don't you worry' and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that's exactly what she did. Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors... We love you."
After Kath’s death former United star Wayne Rooney called her the club’s “heart and soul” while his team-mate Rio Ferdinand said she was “incredibly selfless”.
United fan Kath started out as a switchboard operator for the club in the 1960s but ended up becoming the receptionist at the Carrington training complex. She said last year: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day.”
Kath forged a strong bond with Sir Alex Ferguson. When her husband, Richard, passed away, the Scot 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.
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