Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to firmly refuse an autograph while attending the funeral of Manchester United club icon Kath Phipps on Monday.
The long-serving receptionist died aged 85 in December, with the likes of David Beckham, Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville and Bryan Robson attending her funeral in addition to Ferguson. The former United boss gave a eulogy at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon, as he paid his respects to a figure who first joined the Red Devils in September 1968, when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.
Unsurprisingly, Ferguson’s presence caught the attention of people in the area and the 83-year-old paused to have his photograph taken with supporters. But some took it too far for the United legend’s taste.
When approached with a United shirt and marker pen, Ferguson provided a stern reply, according to Mail Online. “I’m not signing anything!” he understandably said – given the circumstances.
Ferguson still holds a reputation for posing for photographs with supporters and signings autographs even 12 years after ending his management career. The 13-time Premier League champion is even said to have spent 20 minutes in the cold following’s United’s match with Chelsea in November.
Having started life at Old Trafford as a switchboard operator, Phipps went on to work on the reception at the stadium’s director’s entrance and the entrance to the club’s Carrington training ground. She was a beloved presence with both the players and Ferguson understanding the significance of her contributions.
Following her death, United outlined her impact in a statement: “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.
“Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.
“For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture. If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.
“Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else.’ Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”
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