Matt Beard: Former Liverpool Women manager dies aged 47
Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died aged 47; Beard managed the Reds from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2025; he also had spells with Chelsea Women, Millwall Lionesses, West Ham Women and Burnley Women
Thursday 25 September 2025 10:51, UK
Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died aged 47.
Beard managed Liverpool between 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2025. He also had spells at Chelsea Women, Millwall Lionesses, West Ham Women and most recently a short spell at Burnley Women.
Liverpool confirmed the news on X, writing: "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."
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.
He won the Women's Super League Manager of the Season Award in the 2023-24 campaign - the second time he had won that prize in his career.
His former club Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute on X, stating: "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."
Liverpool have postponed their game against Aston Villa in the Women's Super League on Sunday.
Burnley have also postponed their match against West Bromwich Albion, due to take place on Sunday. Beard spent two months as their manager before resigning in August 2025.
The Women's Super League issued a statement saying that clubs across WSL and WSL2 will take part in a minute's silence ahead of kick-off at Sunday's games in memory of Beard.
In a statement to the League Managers Association, former Chelsea boss and current USA head coach Emma Hayes said: "Matt Beard was an incredible investor in the women's game and someone who will be remembered by his players, his staff, and his colleagues for the amazing character that he was.
"He was always smiling, always coaching from the touchline. He was someone who gave a huge deal to the game and to his players. Everyone across the game can speak to the qualities and character of Matt Beard.
"Matt will leave a huge void in the women's game. He was one of a kind, and his loss will be felt by all. My heart goes out to his family, but I want to take the time to acknowledge what a special man he really was."
Chelsea also said in a statement: "Matt was someone who helped shape Chelsea Women during his three years in charge between 2009 and 2012, laying much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes' arrival.
"On the pitch, Matt was at the helm as we moved home to Staines Town's Wheatsheaf Park, entered the new Women's Super League and guided us to a first Women's FA Cup final in 2012.
"But his impact was equally - if not more so - felt off the pitch by his players and everyone involved with Chelsea Women.
"Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn't just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people.
"So it came as no surprise that after leaving Chelsea in 2012, Matt went on to achieve great success at Liverpool, winning back-to-back WSL titles.
"Spells at Boston Breakers, West Ham United, Bristol City, Liverpool again and Burnley were to follow, guiding the Reds back into the WSL during his first season in charge in 2021-22.
"Matt was integral to the growth of the women's game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community. Our thoughts are with Matt's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May you rest in peace, Matt."
The FA wrote: "We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard. Matt was a key figure in growing the women's game and will be missed by all.
"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Football pays tribute to Beard
In a heartfelt tribute on X, former Liverpool midfielder and current Aston Villa player Missy Bo Kearns wrote: "I can't believe I am writing this, am devastated. You believed in me from day one and we got on like a house on fire.
"Am grateful for all the opportunities you have given me, like making me the youngest women's captain for my hometown club, giving me opportunities to play for the club week in week out," wrote the England international. "Winning silverware together and all my individual success, I wouldn't have achieved without your backing.
"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.
"Even when I left you still backed me and believed I was gonna achieve what I've always wanted and I'll continue to do that.
"You were one of a king and I know you will be watching Only Fools and Horses up there, 'Delboy'.
"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'."
In a social media post, Arsenal and England forward Alessia Russo described Beard as the "warmest guy with the biggest heart." England defender Lucy Parker wrote: "An incredible guy that did so much for the game and me personally, My love goes out to his family."
Former West Ham winger Alisha Lehmann posted: "I can't find the right words how much this has hurt me. Matt Beard was the first person that believed in me and was always there for me my whole career. I am who I am as a player, as a person cause of him. My heart is hurting and the news is devastating.
"I remember the first time we met, I couldn't speak English and we used Google Translate and we laughed. You brought me to England, you were the first coach in my life that saw my talent and made me strong.
"The memories we shared on and off the pitch I will never forget, he was the one that taught me all my skills and took care of me whenever I needed it. I will never forget you Matt, you will always live with me in my heart. Thank you for everything."
Burnley player Claudia Walker, who also worked with Beard at Liverpool, said: "For the man who started my professional journey I could never thank you enough. You're not only a legend of the game but also as a human being and I will be forever grateful for you support to both me and my family."
Former Liverpool player 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 City midfielder Laura Coombs, who worked with Beard at Chelsea, also wrote on Instagram: "A great, great man. The most passionate man. Rest in peace Beardie."
Canada head coach Casey Stoney said: "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 Bright said she is "absolutely heartbroken" by the news on social media.
Former Blues midfielder Sophie Ingle, now of Bristol City, said: "You were truly a special gaffer but more importantly a great guy."
Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly also described Beard as "a truly special man with a heart of gold".
Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie said: "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 player Gilly Flaherty said: "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 said on Instagram: "I can't believe it. This news is absolutely devastating. Beardy was so loved, such a kind soul."
Eastbourne Borough FC, who are 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."
