Matt Beard, former Liverpool Women’s manager, died at the age of 47.
Beard spent nearly two decades as a manager in women’s football, including two spells at Liverpool. He joined the club in 2012 after previously working for Millwall Lionesses and Chelsea Ladies.
Beard was twice voted FA WSL Manager of the Year during his original stay, and he won two Super League titles before leaving the club in 2015 to become the head coach of the Boston Breakers in the United States.
Beard returned to English football in 2018, taking over at West Ham United Women and leading them to the FA Cup final the following year. Beard resigned by mutual consent in 2020, and following a temporary role as manager of Bristol City Women, he returned to Liverpool in 2021.
In his first season back with the Reds, Beard led Liverpool to promotion from the Women’s Championship to the Super League, re-establishing themselves in the top tier. He left the club in early 2025 and briefly led Burnley Women later that year.
Liverpool Pay Tribute to Matt Beard
In an official statement issued on the club website, Liverpool stated:
“Everyone at the club is thinking about Matt’s family and friends during this difficult time.
“Matt was not only a dedicated and accomplished manager, but also a person of great character and warmth who will be remembered fondly by everyone he worked with at the club.
“He joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, as well as leading the Reds in their inaugural Champions League campaign… He returned to the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the squad and return it to the top tier of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in command, winning the FA Women’s Championship and earning promotion to the WSL.
“He left LFC Women in February after making important contributions to the club’s development and achieving numerous memorable moments and milestones over his multiple tenures.
“Rest in peace, Matt.”
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