Matt Beard had two spells as manager of Liverpool
Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the Women’s Super League club has announced.
Beard famously guided Liverpool to consecutive WSL titles in 2013 and 2014.
He returned to the club for a second stint in 2021, though he was eventually dismissed in February of this year.
In an official statement, Liverpool honored Beard as “an extremely committed and successful manager.”
The club further remarked: “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. Rest in peace, Matt.”
Following his 2021 return, Beard successfully steered the Reds to promotion back to the WSL, subsequently securing a commendable seventh-place finish upon their return to the top flight.
Notably, Beard also managed Liverpool during their inaugural Champions League campaign.
His brother, Mark, eulogized him as the “most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him”.
In a heartfelt social media tribute, he added, “We will love you forever Matt Matt.”
The Football Association recognized Beard as a “key figure” in women’s football, extending its “thoughts to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The WSL conveyed its condolences on X, stating: “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.”
Beard’s tenure as Burnley manager, appointed in June, ended after a brief two months following his resignation.
His managerial career also included stints at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham, and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Boston Breakers, in addition to an interim period with Bristol City.
The Clarets expressed their condolences, stating: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.”
Millwall Lionesses, where Beard began his managerial journey, released a statement: “Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard.
“We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time.”
Matt Beard was twice named WSL manager of the season
‘Beardy’, as he was affectionately known, was a constant presence in the WSL and a beloved figure who lit up any room. He was known for his humor, candor, and straightforward approach.
He was often described as ‘a giant teddy bear’ – a warm-hearted Londoner who readily offered hugs to anyone and everyone, a stark contrast to the commanding manager who vocally guided his players from the touchline.
Liverpool fans held him in especially high regard, as he led the club to consecutive WSL titles and later returned for a second spell, guiding them back to the top-flight with a Women’s Championship title.
In his successes, he celebrated with passion and joy, often enjoying a pint (or two) with staff and supporters at the pub adjacent to Prenton Park, where Liverpool Women traditionally played their home matches.
He would invite members of the media to join him, further discussing his tactics or attributing success to luck, often playfully teasing us about perceived harshness in match reports or during news conference questioning.
Off the pitch, he was a devoted family man, frequently speaking about his children, sometimes humorously lamenting his struggles to assist his son with mathematics homework.
He shared his ambition to launch a podcast where he could address “the real issues” in women’s football and offer insights into the life of a football coach. He invested in affordable recording equipment online and practiced diligently.
His football career had its share of highs and lows, but he consistently demonstrated deep care for his players and supporters. He will be fondly remembered within the sport, and his positive influence on those he worked with will endure.
Emma Hayes succeeded Matt Beard as Chelsea manager in 2012
A number of prominent figures in women’s football have taken to social media to share their tributes to Beard.
Emma Hayes: “Can’t quite compute this. Absolutely one of the best humans. Always available for a chat, one of the good guys. A champion in the women’s game and a top bloke. So gutted for his family.”
Carla Ward: “Heartbroken”
Gilly Flaherty: “Absolutely devastated and lost for words at the news of losing Beardy tonight. A man I thought so highly of, who in all honesty I would’ve followed around the world to play for. The best manager & friend I could’ve ever had asked to have in my life. Rest easy beardy & give my dad a big squeeze please love you gaffer xx”
Alessia Russo: “Warmest guy with the biggest heart”
Toni Duggan: “So very, very sad. Rip Beardy. Sending all my love and a lot of strength to your friends and family. A great man gone far too soon.”
Olivia Smith: “Wouldn’t be where I am without you”
Missy Bo Kearns: “You believed in me from day one and we got on like a house on fire. All the memories we have I’ll never forget especially the one where I lost a bet and you made me train in your kit. I’ll be there for the family and the kids always because you made me part of the family. Lots of love Missy Bo ‘Headache’ xxx”
Rachel Daly: “Absolutely heartbreaking. A truly special man with a heart of gold. RIP Beardy.”
Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page