Sport

Manchester United’s long-serving receptionist Kath Phipps has died aged 85

'We can’t imagine the place without her.'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 5th December 2024

A Manchester United legend has moved on as the club has confirmed that much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps has unfortunately passed away at the age of 85.

Simply known as ‘Kath on Reception’ not only by those in and around the club but, believe it or not, millions of fans around the world, the long-serving member of the Man United family died this week.

Confirming the news on Thursday, 5 December, United said they were “heartbroken” to share the news with supporters.

Phipps, who first joined the club way back in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was still manager, has been at the club longer than any current members of staff and will be sorely missed by not just many but countless individuals she came across in more than five decades at the club.

Writing in an official statement, the club said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.

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“A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.”

Phipps – a pillar of the club for more than half a century – was there throughout Sir Alex Ferguson‘s 26-year tenure and every manager since; the legendary coach even brought the entire squad along to the funeral of her late husband, Richard, and many players visited her during lockdown.

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For most people who have ever visited the Carrington training complex, ‘Kath on Reception’ is the very first face they see and was always famed for its incredibly friendly manner and warm embrace.

Players both past and present, as well as countless other figures attached to the club, have been paying tribute to the United veteran who epitomised their values and was revered by all.

David Beckham shared: “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…

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“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”

Current defender Diogo Dalot shared a touching message on social media which read: “You’ve seen it all… You truly represented everything [that] Man United is about. Thank you for taking care of us. Rest in peace, Kath, we love you.”

The Athletic football writer Laurie Whitwell hailed her as “always so welcoming”, while the BBC’s Simon Stone wrote: “Absolutely devastated by this news. Kath was such a lovely lady, always smiling and laughing and totally devoted to Manchester United.

“A constant presence during my 20+ years covering the club. Last saw her earlier this year. Very frail but still positive. A trip to Carrington was always better after a hug from Kath. RIP.”

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Speaking on her 55th anniversary in 2023, she told the club: “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, 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.”

Paying tribute to her in the best way they know how, they shared another quote in which she simply said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else” – to which they simply added, “Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”

Rest in peace, Kath on Reception, a loyal servant famous for her hugs. We see no better way to sum her up than with this heartwarming clip. Our thoughts go out to her friends, family and all those at Manchester United whose lives she touched.

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Featured Images – Manchester United/TNT Sports (screenshot)

Sport

Kate Scott praised for impassioned speech following more racism in Champions League

Danny Jones Danny Jones Kate Abdo Scott speech about racism after Vini Jr incident Benfica Real Madrid

Football pundit and sports presenter Kate Scott has been met with plenty of praise for her ‘expert’ handling of the fallout following more racism in the Champions League this week, delivering an emotional and impassioned speech about discrimination live on TV.

The Manchester-born broadcaster, formerly Kate Abdo, was serving as the host on her usual CBS Sports panel on Tuesday, 17 February, when the story of the playoff game between Benfica and Real Madrid – which included a worldie from Vinicius Jr. – was overshadowed by more allegations of racial abuse.

In case you missed it, Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making racist remarks by both Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappe, but supposedly covered his mouth so as not to be caught on camera; the match was then stopped for more than 11 minutes.

Speaking in the aftermath amid the following European fixtures the next day, the Withington-schooled journalist and University of Salford graduate delivered an eloquent reaction to the controversy with peak professionalism.

Absolutely pitch perfect, and all those involved in preparing the statement should be applauded.

While Scott herself recognised that it’s a shame we even have to keep talking about issues like these rather than the sheer simplistic beauty of, well, ‘the beautiful game’, her response is an example of the job being done at arguably its very best: factual, ethical, moving and inspiring.

As you can see, Scott goes on to say, “This isn’t Real Madrid versus Benfica – it is right versus wrong. Vini Junior and Kylian Mbappe said that there was repeated racial abuse.

“Gianluca Prestiani said they misheard, but he covered his mouth to hide what he said from the cameras, and hopefully, we can all agree that if what you are saying on a football pitch is shameful enough to have to hide it from the public, then you’re wrong.”

The Portuguese club, which ultimately lost 1-0 in their first leg at home on the night, have released a statement reaffirming their commitment to “equality, respect, and inclusion” but reiterates that they believe Prestiani and feel he is now the subject of a “defamation campaign”.

Conversely, in a definitive and emphatic closing message, she signs off by adding the following: “The racial diversity on a football pitch in the Champions League is the representation of the global love for this game and the global belonging in this game. This is the very spirit of football.

“And if you don’t agree, then respectfully, you are the one who doesn’t belong.”

From CBS ‘Golazo’ show being applauded for tackling the subject head-on, to Cross herself being labelled as everything from “a role model” and “a benchmark” to “the best on the planet” in the outpouring of reactions on social media, it’s fair to say they absolutely nailed it.

Sadly, this is one of many recent examples of prejudice being shared publicly across various UEFA tournaments and beyond in recent years, but the only way we can truly help anti-hate initiatives is by continuing to call them out.

We’re glad big names in football like Kate Scott and Pep Guardiola (who reflected on Sir Jim Rattcliffe’s immigration comments), as well as the wider sporting industry, are standing for what’s right when given the opportunity, but we always need more.

In the words of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, ‘the only thing more powerful than hate is love’.

You can see the full CBS Sports discussion following the alleged racist incident here.

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Featured Images — CBS Sports Golazo (screenshot via YouTube)

Sport

Stockport County defender Tyler Onyango out injured for the rest of the season

Danny Jones Danny Jones Tyler Onyango ruled out injured by Stockport County for rest of the season

Stockport County defender Tyler Onyango is set to be ruled out for the rest of the season as the club confirms he has injured his hamstring yet again.

County manager Dave Challinor delivered the unfortunate news in his most recent pre-match press conference ahead of the local clash against Wigan Athletic, revealing that the injury, which saw Onyango forced off in the defeat against Bradford City, as feared, is fairly serious.

The young Luton-born full-back has played a baker’s dozen worth of games already this campaign – already three more than his first term last year – but is now scheduled to be out for a number of weeks and isn’t likely to return before Stockport’s promotion race ends.

With the Greater Manchester club having stayed well in and amongst the playoff scrap spots, currently sat in 5th, losing a player in a key wide position is the last thing the Hatters need.

Damaging his hamstring once more, and not for the first time (suffering multiple related setbacks since 2023), the 22-year-old has racked up a number of concerning injuries at a young age.

As well as a hernia problem, Onyango fractured his ankle in 2021 and was sidelined for more than a third of the year in 2022/23 with a hip flexor issue.

He only returned to action after his last muscle strain this past December and did look to be finally enjoying a decent run in Challinor’s side.

On the other hand, the Everton loanee’s performances haven’t always been consistent, and while many fans recognise he’s a “good player when fully fit” and has progressed since he arrived in SK3, other supporters fear he may not be a reliable enough option.

Writing on X, one user said: “A player who has improved since last season and adds quality to the group. My question to the club is, at what point is maintaining good injury-prone players a potential detriment to the squad rather than a positive ‘gamble’ given we haven’t had consistent wingbacks all season?”

Sadly for the young right-back, who has shown promise in spells bombing down those flanks, his second stint at Edgeley Park is being cut short just like his last one.

Detailing that Onyango “will now go for surgical opinion”, a club statement put simply, “Whatever the outcome, the setback brings his second loan spell at Edgeley Park to a premature end.

Praising the versatile defender for his efforts and resilience thus far, they go on to add: “We wish Tyler all the best and will continue to offer our support throughout his recovery. We thank him for his efforts during his time as a Stockport County player.”

It remains to be seen whether or not they will attempt to keep him close and secure a third temporary deal come the summer.

One player they have decided to help complete his loan trilogy is returning winger Louie Barry, who isn’t expected to be back in action until March, but could provide plenty of solutions on the pitch.

You can see Dave Challinor’s post-match presser following the double defeat to Bradford here.

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Featured Images — Stockport County FC (screenshots via YouTube)

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