Former Liverpool Women manager Matt 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, but 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-place finish on their return to the topflight.
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.
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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.”
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