Liverpool are mourning the death of Matt Beard, the manager who twice led their women’s side to league titles and later guided them back into the Women’s Super League. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 47.
The news was announced by his wife, Deb, in an emotional statement shared on social media:
“It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight [Saturday] 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.”
“All of our family kindly ask for time to grieve in peace at his loss. We will love you forever, you absolute legend.”
Liverpool confirmed the news shortly after, with a club statement describing their “deep shock and sadness”:
“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. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.”
Beard will be remembered as the most successful manager in Liverpool Women’s history, a figure who helped transform the club into a force in the women’s game across two separate spells in charge.
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.
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) September 20, 2025
When he first arrived in 2012, Liverpool were struggling at the lower end of the WSL. Within a year, he had turned them into champions. In 2013, Liverpool won their first-ever WSL title. They defended it successfully in 2014, becoming the dominant side in the country.
That period broke Arsenal’s long dominance of English women’s football. Beard assembled a side that blended international talent with emerging English players. The likes of Lucy Bronze, Natasha Dowie, Gemma Bonner and Fara Williams thrived under his guidance.
Beard left in 2015 to join Boston Breakers in the United States, before returning to England for spells with West Ham and Bristol City. His journey reflected his willingness to push himself and his teams in different environments qualities that defined his career.
In 2021, Liverpool turned back to Beard at a time of crisis. The women’s side had slipped into the Championship, struggling both on the pitch and off it. His task was not only to deliver results, but to restore credibility.
Within a season, he had guided Liverpool back to the WSL, winning the second tier in 2021/22. That promotion was celebrated as a revival, and under Beard’s leadership, Liverpool re-established themselves as a competitive outfit in the top flight.
Across his two spells, Beard managed 103 games, winning 50 and drawing 19. His teams were resilient, organised and fiercely committed traits that mirrored his own approach to management.
He stepped down from the Liverpool role in February of this year, but his work had already laid foundations that would serve the club well for years to come.
Liverpool’s scheduled WSL fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday was postponed in light of Beard’s death. Villa said in a statement:
“Following yesterday’s devastating news of Matt Beard’s passing, our Barclays WSL fixture with Liverpool has been postponed.”
The Women’s Super League paid tribute, highlighting his wider contribution to the sport:
“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.”
At Liverpool’s Kirkby Academy, a period of silence was held before the under-21s match against Manchester United. Players and staff stood shoulder to shoulder in a perfectly observed tribute.
A perfectly observed period of silence for Matt Beard. Liverpool’s U21s are underway at the Kirkby Academy against Manchester United.
— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) September 21, 2025
The breadth of tributes underscored Beard’s standing across the game.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler wrote:
“Awful news… been in his company many times, a real nice guy who will be very much missed. Sending love to all his family and friends. RIP Matt.”
His departure from Liverpool earlier this year did not mark the end of his coaching career. He was appointed head coach of Burnley in June, but stepped down in August to “pursue other opportunities.” He had been strongly linked with the vacant Leicester City position, underlining the regard in which he was still held within the game.
His passing leaves a profound absence. But the legacy he built of trophies, of professionalism, and of humanity will endure long after.
