Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the Women’s Super League club has announced.
Beard guided Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history.
He returned for a second spell in 2021, leading the Reds to promotion back to the WSL and securing a seventh-place finish in their first season back in the top flight. However, he was dismissed in February this year.
During his first tenure, Beard also oversaw Liverpool’s debut campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
In June, he was appointed Burnley manager but resigned just two months later.
Over the course of his career, Beard also had spells in charge of Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham, and the Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as a brief interim role with Bristol City.
In a statement, Liverpool described Beard as “an extremely committed and successful manager” and paid tribute to his contributions to the club and women’s football.
“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.
“He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.
“After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women.
“He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.
“He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures.
“Rest in peace, Matt.
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