Women's football manager Matt Beard dies aged 47
Liverpool FC have called him 'a person of real integrity and warmth'
Last updated 20th Sep 2025
Matt Beard - the former Liverpool Women manager - has died at the age of 47.
The club say they're 'shocked and saddened' - adding he was 'a person of real integrity and warmth'.
He led the Reds to back to back Women's Super League titles, as well as their first Champions League campaign.
He had also managed West Ham, Chelsea, Boston Breakers, Millwall and Burnley during his career.
The Barclays WSL said on social media: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.
"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.
"Rest in peace, Matt."
In a statement, Liverpool FC said: "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, 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.
"He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.
"After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women.
"He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.
"He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures."