Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard dies aged 47
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Updated 21/09/2025 at 10:40 GMT+1
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Liverpool announced they were "deeply shocked and saddened" by the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, aged 47. Beard won two Women's Super League titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 and returned in 2021 to guide them back to the top flight, before leaving the club in February. He also managed Chelsea, West Ham, Bristol City, Burnley and Boston Breakers.
Matt Beard, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Joie Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died aged 47.
Liverpool said they were "deeply shocked and saddened" by the death of the coach who guided them to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles, and most recently managed the Reds in February.
The coach, who also led Liverpool in their first UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, was re-hired in 2021 and helped the club back to the WSL from the FA Women’s Championship, before parting company earlier this year.
Beard started his career in the dugout with Millwall in 2008 and also managed Chelsea, West Ham, Bristol City, Burnley and National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers.
Millwall, West Ham, the FA and a host of former and current players including Millie Bright were among the flood of condolences following the announcement, while a Liverpool statement read:
"Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard. 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, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club."
Beard was crowned the FA WSL Manager of the Season in both 2013 and 2023-24 - the latter after he guided Liverpool to the brink of European qualification in just their second season back in the top flight.
The WSL also paid tribute, posting on X: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.
"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game."
Liverpool's WSL match with Aston Villa on Sunday was postponed after the news.
A statement from the WSL said: "A further announcement regarding the rearrangement of the fixture will be made in due course."
Burnley's Women's National League match against West Brom was also postponed.
A minute's silence will be held before Sunday's other WSL and WSL2 fixtures.
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