Former Liverpool Ladies supervisor Matt Beard has died aged 47.
Beard managed Liverpool between 2012 to 2015 and once more from 2021 to 2025. He additionally had spells at Chelsea Ladies, Millwall Lionesses, West Ham Ladies and most not too long ago a brief spell at Burnley Ladies.
Liverpool confirmed the information on X, writing: “Liverpool Soccer Membership is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Ladies supervisor Matt Beard.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.
“Matt was not solely an especially dedicated and profitable supervisor, he was additionally an individual of actual integrity and heat, who will all the time be remembered with real fondness by everybody he labored with on the membership.”
Beard coached Liverpool to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. During his second spell in charge, he helped them win promotion back to the WSL before leading them to a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.
His former club Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute on X, stating: “All people on the membership is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses supervisor, 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.”
Liverpool are set to tackle Aston Villa within the Ladies’s Tremendous League on Sunday.
The WSL launched an announcement which learn: “Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.
“Matt performed an instrumental function within the development of ladies’s soccer and shall be missed by everybody related to the sport. Relaxation in peace, Matt.”
The FA wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to study of the passing of Matt Beard. Matt was a key determine in rising the ladies’s sport and shall be missed by all.
“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Soccer pays tribute to Beard
Former Liverpool participant Katie Stengel wrote on Instagram: “Praying for your family. Thank you for being the coach who believed in me most, you will forever be missed.”
Man Metropolis midfielder Laura Coombs, who labored with Beard at Chelsea, additionally wrote on Instagram: “A great, great man. The most passionate man. Rest in peace Beardie.”
Canada head coach Casey Stoney stated: “Over 20 years of knowing you ‘my old china’ and all I know now is that the world is a poorer place without you in it. Coach, manager and friend. Sleep tight.”
Arsenal defender Katie McCabe described Beard as “one of the good guys in football” in a tribute on Instagram.
Chelsea defender Millie Vivid stated she is “absolutely heartbroken” by the information on social media.
Former Blues midfielder Sophie Ingle, now of Bristol Metropolis, stated: “You were truly a special gaffer but more importantly a great guy.”
Aston Villa ahead Rachel Daly additionally described Beard as “a truly special man with a heart of gold”.
Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie stated: “From playing with you at the age of 17 to finishing my career with you at LFC. You were one of a kind Beardie. Will miss your cheeky smile, hello darling and big hug. RIP my friend.”
Former West Ham participant Gilly Flaherty stated: “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 had asked to have in my life.”
Lucy Staniforth-Wilson stated on Instagram: “I can’t believe it. This news is absolutely devastating. Beardy was so loved, such a kind soul.”
Eastbourne Borough FC, who’re managed by Matt’s brother Mark, added: “EBFC would like to send our condolences to former boss Mark Beard following the passing of his brother, and former WSL manager, Matt Beard. We are sending Mark and his family all of our best wishes.”
