Sad news struck women’s football on Saturday. Matt Beard, former Liverpool manager, has died at the age of 47.
- Matt Beard, former manager of several high-profile women’s football clubs (including Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham, Bristol City, Millwall, and the Boston Breakers), has died aged 47.
- His death was announced by his wife, Debbie, who revealed he passed away on 20 September 2025.
- Beard won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 during his first spell with the club.
- After his early successes, he coached in the USA with Boston Breakers, then in England with West Ham, Bristol City (interim), then rejoined Liverpool in 2021, leading them to promotion (Championship winners) in the 2021-22 season.
- His most recent role was manager of Burnley Women, which he took up in June 2025, but he resigned after about two months (August 2025).
- The clubs and organisations he worked with, including Liverpool FC, the Women’s Super League, the Football Association, West Ham, Bristol City, Chelsea, and Millwall, along with many players and fans, have paid tribute to his contributions to women’s football, his character, and his legacy.
- Beard was described as not only a successful coach, but also “a person of integrity and warmth,” beloved by players, staff, and colleagues.
