The Heartbeat of United: Kath Phipps

The lifelong Reds fan recently reached 55 years as a member of staff at United, working first at the stadium offices, then the main reception at Carrington, but also on matchdays.

The club is much changed since she arrived as a telephone switchboard operator in September 1968, but, as she told us when we caught up with her last month, she loves being here as much as ever.

 

“I still enjoy it. I know I’m getting old, but I don’t think I could stay at home. It keeps my brain working. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

“I knew the girl who had the job before me on the switchboard. She lived in Irlam, where I lived. She told me she was leaving and suggested I should apply for the job, which I did. Les Olive introduced me to the few staff, and it was just a few back in those days – mainly ticket office and admin staff. They put me on a switchboard that I’d never seen before, as I’d only used the old plug-board ones. This was a brand new one and I just didn’t know what to do with it, although I eventually worked it out. My first office was above where the Megastore is now, roughly. Then, later, we moved down to where the Warwick Suite is.”

 

“Denis [Law], Bobby [Charlton], and, of course, George [Best]. They used to come into the office regularly, and were very good at signing autographs for people to send off in the post. I remember they used to come and sit on the radiator under the window to do their signing, and we’d always have a good chat. And I got on very well with Sir Matt and Jimmy [Murphy]. You always knew when Matt was around because you got a whiff of smoke from his pipe. I remember that most mornings, him or Jimmy would give you a sweet.”

“I’d met Sir Alex through working on Martin Buchan’s testimonial, when we played Aberdeen [in 1983]. I was introduced to him and took an instant liking. Then I remember on his first day as our manager, when Martin Edwards brought him through. I think I was one of the first staff to meet him!”

 

“Yes, of course. We always had good banter. We’d argue like brother and sister at times, he’d shout at me and I’d shout at him... but it was all in good humour [laughs]. If I had to describe him in one word I’d say: caring. He cares. When my husband passed away, he brought the players to the funeral. It amazed me. He and Cathy [Ferguson] were so good with me.”

 

“When it opened in 2000. Sir Alex brought me over. He just said: ‘You and Lyn [Laffin, Sir Alex’s PA] are coming!’

“Prince William has been twice. He recognised me the second time! He said, ‘I met you the last time I was here with the English FA’. We’ve had all kinds of people come. I remember Robbie Williams coming. Take That, too. I’ve met prime ministers... so many different people have visited over the years.”

 

“Yes, that was quite embarrassing. I had to say no to David after being invited to the premiere because I never miss a game! I did apologise. I’ve known David since his mum and dad used to bring him to games when he was about 15. He was such a nice boy and I took a liking to him straight away. We still stay in touch. Other players? Juan Mata, Eric [Cantona], and Cristiano Ronaldo. I love all the girls [the women’s team] too, and I hope they have a really good season. I get on so well with Mary [Earps]. We hit it off from the first day she came and she’s another one I think the world of. Ella Toone sent me a text while she was away congratulating me on the anniversary.”

 

“It’s so friendly. I don’t think I’ve had one crossed 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, 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.”