The former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the Women’s Super League club have announced. A Liverpool statement expressed the club’s deep shock and sadness at the news.
Beard guided the club to two WSL titles in consecutive seasons in 2013 and 2014, in his first of two spells in charge of the club. In the second spell, he led them to promotion back to the top flight. He is the most successful manager in Liverpool’s women’s team’s history.
Beard’s wife, Deb, wrote 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 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.”
In a statement on X, the WSL said: “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.”
Beard, who was in charge of Liverpool last season and was most recently the manager at Burnley, was also a Cup finalist while in charge of West Ham, and had spells managing Bristol City, Chelsea and Boston Breakers.
Beard was named as the WSL’s manager of the year in 2013 and 2014. He was appointed as the Burnley manager in June 2025 but resigned in August.
The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard. Matt was a hugely respected and loved figure across the game, and we extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
