Former Liverpool Women Manager Matt Beard Dies at 47

Matt Beard, the former Liverpool Women manager, died suddenly aged 47, prompting shock and widespread mourning across the women’s game. He led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 and guided the club back to the top flight in 2022, and is widely credited with helping to professionalise and grow the women’s game. His near-20-year coaching career included spells at Millwall (promotion), Chelsea (FA Cup final), Boston Breakers in the NWSL, West Ham, Bristol City and Burnley. Colleagues and players — including Natasha Dowie, Fara Williams, Alisha Lehmann, Niamh Fahey and managers such as Gareth Taylor and Marc Skinner — paid tribute to his warmth, mentorship and impact on players. Several WSL fixtures were postponed or observed moments of silence and black armbands as clubs and supporters paid respects, and Liverpool planned further tributes at Anfield.