Kath's service was a celebration of her light
On paper, Kath Phipps had no surviving family. In reality, her funeral proved the exact opposite.
As the latter wondered in his opening speech: “Is there anyone else who has served Manchester United for more than 55 years? I can’t think of anyone.” The most successful manager in the history of football went on to divulge the little details that, in his words, ensured a situation whereby: “United was run by one girl.” Anyone wanting to reach Ferguson had to go via Kath, who facilitated him in his role from his first day as manager to his last.
Operationally, Kath was key, but yesterday’s service was more a celebration of the humanity she brought to the club. Shortly after his arrival at Old Trafford in 1986, Sir Alex’s wife, Kathy, was hospitalised for a period. Mindful of this, Kath suggested that she would spend her designated time off on Thursday afternoons with the manager’s other half. When Sir Alex pointed out that the two didn’t know each other, Kath simply shrugged: “Well, she’ll want someone to talk to.”
When you put out that kind of light into the world, others will unavoidably be drawn towards you. Sir Alex recounted a more recent tale, when Kath was in her hospital bed, when he walked in to find her surrounded by friends from the club, a Bacardi and Coke secreted onto the ward and into her hand. “She was happy, content, with everyone she loved around her,” he smiled, before concluding: “What we see here today is a representation and honour of a really special person.”
Remembering Kath
GalleryClub legends from almost every era attended the funeral of a true pillar of United.
Jonny recounted an emotional moment last spring when Kath, suffering with an ear infection, pulled him in for a customary hug which lingered longer than usual. Spotting tears rolling down Kath’s face, he asked her what was wrong, to be told that she didn’t want people to think she was bad at her job because she’d been struggling to hear them. “I couldn’t help but be amazed at her dedication,” he said. “Even after all those years, Kath still took so much pride in her work. That was her life: representing her club and looking after her boys.”
United family congregates for Kath Phipps
Outside Manchester Cathedral, Bryan Robson and Peter Schmeichel paid tribute to the late Kath Phipps…
Jason Leach, the club’s VIP Experiences Executive, closed the personal tributes with his own memories of his fellow Salfordian, starting with advice handed out in their very first meeting. “Keep your head down, work hard and smile because you work for Manchester United,” was the mantra she passed him.
“We talk about the Manchester United family,” he continued, “I would say just watch Kath Phipps at work and it all begins to make sense. She was brilliant at her job and brilliant with people.”
Quoting a Sir Matt Busby saying which adorns the Salford Suite walls at Old Trafford, Jason continued: “‘Manchester is people. Salford is people. United is people.’ Maybe the great man had Kath in mind when he came up with that. She epitomised everything that is great about this football club.”
Funeral of Kath Phipps takes place
ArticleThe United family congregated at Manchester Cathedral on Monday to remember a beloved figure.
She, more than anyone, would have recognised that this is what family does for each other.