Liverpool Women unveil memorials for former manager Matt Beard

Liverpool Women have unveiled permanent memorials to former manager Matt Beard, who led the club to back-to-back WSL titles, with a garden at Melwood and a tree planted outside Anfield.

Liverpool Women have unveiled two permanent memorials to honour their former manager Matt Beard. A private ceremony for players, staff and Beard's family was held at the club's Melwood training ground on Friday to open a memorial garden in his name. A commemorative tree was also planted on 97 Avenue outside Anfield Stadium.

Beard, who died last September, managed Liverpool Women from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2025. He was the architect of the club's most successful period, guiding them to consecutive Women's Super League titles. He later returned to secure promotion back to the top flight by winning the FA Women's Championship. His achievements earned him the WSL manager of the season award twice and he was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame earlier this year.

A lasting tribute

The memorials provide a lasting tribute to a figure who shaped the modern identity of Liverpool Women. The garden at Melwood offers a quiet space for reflection, while the tree on 97 Avenue ensures his legacy is visible to supporters on matchdays. The unveiling coincides with the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative, which runs from 4 to 14 September to encourage conversations around suicide prevention.

Liverpool's home match against Fulham on Saturday will be dedicated to the campaign. Also, a group of Reds supporters will walk from Melwood to the Brewdog Stadium in St Helens before Sunday's WSL match against Tottenham to raise funds for men's suicide prevention charity Andy's Man Club. The Liverpool FC Foundation launched its Kicking Off Conversations Hub last September to offer specialist support to fans.

Strong start to the season

The tribute comes as the current Liverpool Women's squad begins a new WSL campaign in strong form. They sit top of the table with three points after a commanding away win against Charlton Athletic last weekend. Goals from Grace Fisk, Vicky Endemann and a penalty from Charlotte Kapocs secured the perfect start.

Liverpool Women will look to continue their positive momentum when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Prenton Park this Sunday.