The world of women’s football is mourning the loss of Matt Beard, former Liverpool Women’s manager, who has died at the age of 47.

Beard, best known for leading Liverpool to back-to-back Women’s Super League (WSL) titles in 2013 and 2014, was praised by the club as “an extremely committed and successful manager” and “a person of real integrity and warmth.”

After a second stint with Liverpool starting in 2021, he led the team back to the WSL and guided them to a seventh-place finish in the top flight. Beard also oversaw Liverpool’s first UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.

He managed several other clubs during his career, including Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham, Boston Breakers (USA), and Bristol City. Most recently, he was briefly in charge of Burnley Women before stepping down in August 2025.

The Football Association, WSL, clubs, and his family have all shared heartfelt tributes. His brother, Mark, described him as “the most amazing, caring man,” while the FA called him “a key figure in women’s football.”

A minute’s silence will be held in WSL and WSL2 matches in his honour.