Former Liverpool women's manager Matt Beard dies aged 47

Matt Beard, the former Liverpool women's manager, has died at the age of 47, the club said on Thursday. The cause of death was not disclosed. BBC Sport confirmed the development and said tributes poured in from across women’s football. Beard was a well-known figure in the game, having guided Liverpool to major success in two spells and having held roles with several other clubs.

Beard first led Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, establishing the Reds as a force in English women’s football. He returned for a second spell at Anfield in 2021, and he steered the side back into the WSL after promotion, helping them secure a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight. During his second tenure, he also oversaw Liverpool’s first-ever Champions League campaign, marking another milestone in the club’s development under his leadership.

In June, Beard was appointed Burnley manager but resigned after just two months in charge. Earlier in his career, he had stints with National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers and West Ham, and he spent a period in charge of Bristol City on an interim basis. His career also included roles at Chelsea and Millwall Lionesses as he built a reputation as a coach capable of delivering results and developing players.

Liverpool issued a statement praising Beard as an “extremely committed and successful manager” who was “a person of real integrity and warmth,” and said he would be remembered fondly by everyone at the club. The club’s tribute reflected the impact Beard had during his two spells with the Reds and his role in elevating the women’s team on the domestic and European stages.

Condolences also came from Eastbourne Borough FC, where Beard’s brother Mark is manager. Eastbourne Borough posted a message of support to Mark Beard and his family, underscoring the close ties within the wider football community and acknowledging Matt Beard’s contributions to the game.

Beard’s death has stunned women’s football, where he was recognized for helping Liverpool achieve sustained competitiveness and for his broader influence on coaching and development across clubs. Tributes highlighted his ability to work with players, his commitment to the sport, and the lasting imprint he left on a generation of players and coaches. As the sport processes the loss, clubs and fans alike will reflect on Beard’s achievements, including the two league titles, the promotion of Liverpool back to the top tier, and the early steps of his teams toward European competition.