Liverpool Women are in mourning after the sudden death of former manager Matt Beard at the age of 47. The club, who finished 11th in the FA WSL last season with 17 points from 22 games (4W-5D-13L), remembered Beard as a transformative figure during his two spells in charge.
Who was Matt Beard?
Matt Beard managed Liverpool Women from 2012 to 2015, guiding the team to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. He returned in 2021 and secured promotion back to the top flight that same year, leaving in February 2025. His leadership was pivotal in shaping the club’s modern identity.
What did Liverpool Women say?
The club issued a heartfelt statement, calling Beard a manager of 'real integrity and warmth.' His impact extended beyond trophies, with players and staff recalling his dedication and the personal connections he forged. Liverpool Women’s current standing-11th in the WSL, 38 points behind leaders Manchester City W-highlights the challenges ahead without his guidance.
How is the football community reacting?
Tributes poured in from across women’s football. Chelsea, where Beard worked from 2009 to 2012, credited him with laying foundations for their dominance. Emma Hayes, now USWNT coach, described him as 'one of a kind.' West Ham, whom he led to the 2019 FA Cup final, and the FA also honored his legacy.
Beard’s sudden passing leaves a void in a game he helped grow, with Liverpool Women and the wider WSL community united in grief.
