FORMER Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard has passed away aged 47.
Liverpool – who Beard twice managed during his career – confirmed the sad news in a statement.
It 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.
“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.”
Beard – who started at Millwall Lionesses in 2008 – only ever managed women’s football professionally.
He spent three years at Liverpool after joining from Chelsea in 2012 following three seasons with the Blues.
He then joined Boston Breakers in 2016 for 12 months before returning to England in 2018 with West Ham.
Beard – who tragically leaves behind his wife and two kids – had two seasons with the Hammers before taking over at Bristol City in 2021.
He then re-joined Liverpool from 2021-2025 before his final career move to Burnley – but he left in August after just two games in charge.
Tributes poured in for the respected coach, who won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles with Liverpool.
Bristol City Women wrote: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of former Bristol City Women Manager Matt Beard.
“All our thoughts are with Matt’s family and friends at this tragic time.”
The WSL said: “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.
“Rest in peace, Matt.”
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