Matt Beard, the highly regarded women's football manager who guided Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles, has died suddenly at the age of 47. His wife Deb confirmed his passing on Saturday evening at 7:28pm, describing the loss as devastating for their family.
Beard won consecutive WSL titles with Liverpool Women in 2013 and 2014, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the women's game. He also had spells managing Chelsea, West Ham and most recently Burnley, where he resigned in August.
His wife Deb wrote on social media: "It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight at 7.28pm. He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him."
Football community responds
Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea and current United States women's national team manager who succeeded Beard at Chelsea in 2012, led the tributes. She wrote on Instagram: "Can't quite compute this. Absolutely one of the best humans. Always available for a chat, one of the good guys. A champion in the women's game and a top bloke. So gutted for his family."
Players whose careers Beard helped shape expressed their grief and gratitude. Arsenal and Canada forward Olivia Smith, who Beard signed at Liverpool, wrote: "I wouldn't be where I am without you." According to the Independent, Smith became the first £1 million women's footballer following her development under Beard's guidance.
Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly, who played under Beard at West Ham, described him as "a truly special man with a heart of gold". England striker Alessia Russo called Beard the "warmest guy with the biggest heart".
Professional legacy
Liverpool Football Club released an official statement expressing shock at Beard's sudden passing. The club said: "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."
Initial reports suggest that Burnley have postponed their scheduled Sunday match against West Bromwich Albion as a mark of respect for their former manager. Beard had only resigned from his position at the Championship club last month.
The Independent reports that Beard's foundational work at Chelsea helped establish the platform for Emma Hayes' subsequent success at the club. His impact on developing women's football talent and professionalism has been widely recognised throughout his career spanning over a decade in the sport.
Sources used: "Guardian", "Independent", "Bristol Post" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
