Article body analysed
David Beckham paid an emotional tribute to late Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps and revealed the touching promise she made to his parents. United players past and present took to social media to mourn the loss of Phipps, who passed away on Thursday aged 85. Beckham has since shed light on the impact Phipps had on his life and shared an anecdote that underlined why she was such a beloved figure by all who passed through Old Trafford and Carrington. "Forever in our hearts, " Beckham wrote on Instagram. "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. " The caption accompanied a post on Beckham's Instagram where he held Phipps' hand. Sandra Beckham, David's mother, commented on her son's post: "So so true and she certainly did what she promised. Forever grateful. " Beckham spent time in Tottenham's youth set-up before he joined boyhood club Manchester United in July 1991. The 49-year-old went on to make just shy of 400 appearances for the Red Devils before he sealed a high-profile switch to Real Madrid in 2003. Although he made stops in Major League Soccer, Serie A and Ligue 1 in the following years, he never forgot the impact of Phipps. Phipps' career at United began in 1968 when she worked as a switchboard operator. She later became the club receptionist at Carrington and would also greet important figures at the Old Trafford directors' box on gamedays. "Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her, " United wrote in a lengthy tribute. "She said last year: 'I can't imagine doing anything else. ' Well, we can't imagine the place without her. " The likes of Wayne Rooney and David de Gea joined Beckham in paying tribute to Phipps. Rooney said: "The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends. " De Gea wrote: "Such a wonderful woman! Thanks for taking care of everyone! " © 2024 talk SPORT Limited
Registered in England No. 2806093. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF
talk SPORT is a registered trade mark of Wireless Group Media (GB) Limited.
This service is provided on talk SPORT Limited's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy.