Liverpool Ladies boss Matt Beard to take job in America
Friday 25 September 2015 16:40, UK
Matt Beard will step down as manager of reigning FA WSL 1 champions Liverpool Ladies at the end of the season to take up the head coach role at American side Boston Breakers.
Beard was appointed Liverpool manager in 2012 after a three-year spell in charge of Chelsea, where he helped the club reach the Women's FA Cup final.
The 37-year-old presided over a mass overhaul of Liverpool's squad after the club finished bottom of the league after and has since guided the club to back-back titles in 2013 and 2014.
Beard also led Liverpool Ladies in their first ever UEFA Women's Champions League campaign last season.
"The decision to leave Liverpool Ladies is one that I have thought a great deal about and was a really tough decision to make," Beard said in a club statement.
"However, having enjoyed three fantastic years here and having spent 11 years working in top flight of women's football in England, I feel like I need a new challenge and I feel I have taken the club as far as I can.
"I would like to thank all of the players and staff that I have worked with during my tenure as Liverpool Ladies manager. I have had some fantastic times with the club and will take some memories that will last forever.
"I would also like to thank the Liverpool Ladies supporters who, in my opinion, are the best supporters in the FA Women's Super League. The backing that we have received both home and away has been nothing short of fantastic and I would like to express my gratitude to the fans for the backing they have given to the team.
Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre, said: "It has been an incredible story for our Liverpool Ladies team winning back to back league titles and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.
"Matt has been at the very heart of that success and we thank him for his contribution and wish him well in his new challenge. The search for a new manager will begin immediately to build on the progress made to date."
Looking ahead to his move to Boston, Beard added: "I am extremely excited at the prospect of challenging myself abroad in a league as competitive as the National Women's Soccer League with Boston Breakers.
"The move is a decision I have not taken lightly and will be a big move for both myself and my family but is a challenge that I cannot wait to get started."
Beard will continue in his role as manager until the end of this season which will include the upcoming Champions League campaign. Liverpool face Italian side Brescia in the last 32 stage of the competition.
