Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, leaving the football world in shock.
His sudden passing was confirmed by Liverpool FC in a statement on Saturday, with tributes flooding in from clubs, players, and colleagues across the globe.
“Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard,” the club wrote on X.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time. Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth.”
Beard’s managerial career spanned more than two decades.
He guided Liverpool Women to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and later helped them return to the top flight in 2021 after a promotion campaign.
In the 2023/24 season, he was named Women’s Super League Manager of the Year, underlining his impact on the game.
He also held spells at Chelsea Women, Millwall Lionesses, West Ham Women, Boston Breakers in the U.S., Bristol City, and Burnley Women, where he had a short stint earlier this year.
Chelsea Women reflected on his legacy, stating, “Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn’t just your manager, he was your friend.”
Emma Hayes, now USA head coach, described him as “an incredible investor in the women’s game” and “someone who will be remembered by his players, his staff, and his colleagues for the amazing character that he was.”
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo called him “the warmest guy with the biggest heart,” while England defender Lucy Parker added, “An incredible guy that did so much for the game and me personally.”
Former West Ham player Gilly Flaherty said, “A man I thought so highly of, who in all honesty I would’ve followed around the world to play for. The best manager and friend I could’ve ever asked to have in my life.”
Liverpool postponed their WSL fixture against Aston Villa this weekend, while Burnley also delayed their game with West Bromwich Albion.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Super League announced a minute’s silence before all games this Sunday in Beard’s honor.
The FA echoed the grief, stating: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard. Matt was a key figure in growing the women’s game and will be missed by all.”
Swiss international Alisha Lehmann shared an emotional tribute: “Matt Beard was the first person that believed in me and was always there for me my whole career. I am who I am as a player, as a person, because of him. My heart is hurting and the news is devastating.”
May his soul rest in peace.
