Heartbreak in Football: Former Liverpool Manager Matt Beard Passes Away at 47
Liverpool Mourns the Loss of Matt Beard
Liverpool F.C. and the wider football community are in mourning following the death of Matt Beard, the former Liverpool manager, at the age of 47. The club confirmed the tragic news, describing him as a man of “real integrity and warmth” who left a lasting mark both on and off the pitch.
Beard, affectionately known as “Beardy”, guided Liverpool Women to historic back-to-back Women’s Super League (WSL) titles in 2013 and 2014. He later returned in 2021, leading the team back into the top flight before departing in February 2025.
Career Achievements with Liverpool and Beyond
Matt Beard’s managerial journey was filled with milestones that highlighted his tactical brilliance and commitment to women’s football.
Key Moments in Beard’s Career:
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2013 & 2014: Led Liverpool Women to consecutive WSL championships.
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2015–2020: Managed Chelsea, West Ham United, and the Boston Breakers in the U.S.
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2021: Returned to Liverpool, winning the Women’s Championship and securing promotion.
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2023: Guided Liverpool to a seventh-place finish in their WSL comeback season.
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2025: Briefly managed Burnley before resigning in the summer.
| Year | Club/Role | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Liverpool | WSL Champion |
| 2014 | Liverpool | WSL Champion |
| 2021 | Liverpool | Promotion to WSL |
| 2023 | Liverpool | 7th in WSL |
| 2025 | Burnley | Short managerial spell |
Tributes from Clubs, Players, and Family
Following the announcement, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the football world.
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Liverpool F.C. praised him as “an extremely committed and successful manager.”
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The Football Association hailed him as “a key figure in women’s football.”
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Millwall Lionesses, where Beard began his career, expressed being “deeply saddened” by his loss.
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His brother Mark described him as “the most amazing, caring man loved by everyone who met him.”
Players also shared their grief:
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Alessia Russo: “Warmest guy with the biggest heart.”
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Toni Duggan: “So very, very sad. RIP Beardy. A great man gone far too soon.”
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Gilly Flaherty: “Absolutely devastated… the best manager and friend I could have ever had.”
A Personality That Shaped the WSL
Beard’s presence extended beyond the tactics board. Known for his humor, passion, and approachable nature, he often shared laughs with journalists and celebrated victories alongside supporters. Off the field, he was a devoted family man who frequently spoke about his children and even joked about helping his son with homework.
His idea of starting a podcast to discuss the realities of women’s football showed his commitment to elevating the game’s voice and ensuring players’ experiences were heard.
Remembering Matt Beard
Matt Beard will be remembered not only as a two-time WSL champion but also as a manager who truly cared for his players, colleagues, and fans. His legacy lives on in the progress of women’s football and in the countless lives he touched with his warmth and leadership.
