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**The Legacy of Matt Beard: A Pillar of Women’s Football**
The world of women’s football is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved figures, Matt Beard, who has died at the age of 47. The announcement was made by Liverpool Football Club, where Beard enjoyed two highly successful spells as manager of the women’s team. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the sport and prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football community, reflecting the deep respect and affection in which he was held.
Matt Beard’s name is synonymous with the growth and success of Liverpool Women in the modern era of the Women’s Super League (WSL). Appointed as manager in 2012, Beard quickly made his mark, leading the team to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. These consecutive championships were a remarkable achievement, establishing Liverpool as a dominant force in English women’s football and setting a standard for excellence that the club continues to aspire to. Beard’s tactical acumen, combined with his ability to inspire and unite his players, was fundamental to this period of triumph.
After departing Liverpool in 2015, Beard’s career took him to several other clubs, both in England and abroad. He managed the Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, bringing his expertise to the international stage. Beard also had managerial spells at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham United, and briefly as interim manager at Bristol City. Each appointment reinforced his reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable coach, capable of building competitive teams and nurturing talent in various environments.
In 2021, Beard returned to Liverpool for a second spell, taking over a team that had fallen out of the WSL and was seeking a path back to the top flight. Under his guidance, Liverpool Women achieved promotion back to the WSL, a testament to his motivational skills and strategic planning. The following season, the team secured a respectable seventh-placed finish, consolidating their position among England’s elite. His leadership during this era restored pride and ambition to the club, and he was lauded for his efforts to rebuild and rejuvenate the squad.
Beard’s impact extended beyond domestic success. He was at the helm when Liverpool embarked on their maiden UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, providing invaluable experience to the club and its players. His ability to guide teams through new challenges and his willingness to embrace the evolving landscape of women’s football made him a respected figure not just at Liverpool, but throughout the sport.
Despite his achievements, Beard’s second stint at Liverpool came to an abrupt end in February 2024, when he was sacked by the club. Nevertheless, his contributions were celebrated by Liverpool in a heartfelt statement following his death. The club described him as “an extremely committed and successful manager,” and added, “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.” These words encapsulate the high regard in which Beard was held, not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his character and humanity.
Beard’s sudden passing has drawn tributes from across the football world. His brother, Mark, paid a moving tribute on social media, describing Matt as “the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.” He added, “We will love you forever Matt Matt,” underscoring the deep sense of personal loss felt by those closest to him.
Institutions such as The Football Association acknowledged Beard’s importance to the sport, calling him a “key figure” in women’s football and extending their condolences to his family and friends. The Women’s Super League also issued a statement, expressing their sympathies and recognizing Beard’s “instrumental role in the growth of women’s football.” The news of his death has united the football community in grief, highlighting the lasting impact he made during his career.
In June 2024, Beard had been appointed manager of Burnley Women, but his tenure was brief, lasting only two months before he resigned. Burnley paid their own tribute, stating, “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt's family and friends