Why Matt Beard will be remembered as one of the most influential managers in modern women’s football history

The former Liverpool manager has died aged 47, it has been confirmed.

Tributes are flooding in from across the women’s football community after it was confirmed last night (20 September) that former Liverpool WFC manager Matt Beard had passed away aged 47.

From the start of his management career at Millwall Lionesses in 2008, Beard fought for the growth and professionalisation of women’s football, striking up a rapport with players and fans wherever he went.

Perhaps the most successful period of his career was his time at Liverpool, where he led the club to back-to-back Women’s Super League (WSL) victories in 2013 and 2014 and was named manager of the year both seasons as a result. He was also in charge when Liverpool became the first WSL team to offer professional contracts to it's entire squad at the start of the 2012 season; it wasn't until 2018/19 that the WSL was fully professionalised.

When he returned to Liverpool in May 2021, he helped to rebuild the team, which had been demoted to the Championship since his first departure, getting them back into the WSL in his first season in charge. In 2023/24, he guided the team to fourth place in the league – seeing them finish above Manchester United – and reach the quarter finals of the FA cup. His achievements at Liverpool make him the most successful manager in Liverpool women’s history.

In a statement, Liverpool described Beard as an “extremely committed and successful manager,” adding that he will be remembered with “genuine fondness” as a “person of real integrity and warmth”.

One of Beard’s most special qualities was his ability to build close, influential relationships with the players he managed – many of whom followed him to the various clubs he managed during his career.

Former England international Gilly Flaherty, who played under Beard at both West Ham and Liverpool, was one of those players. In a tribute posted online last night, she wrote: “Absolutely devastated and lost for words at the news of losing Beardy tonight. A man I thought so highly of, who in all honesty I would’ve followed around the world to play for. The best manager and friend I could’ve ever had asked to have in my life. Rest easy beardy and give my dad a big squeeze please.”

Aston Villa midfielder Missy Bo Kearns – who played under Beard at Liverpool – also took to social media to pay tribute to the former manager. “I can’t believe I am writing this I am devastated,” she said. “You believed in me from day one and we got on like a house on fire. I am grateful for all the opportunities you gave me, like making me the youngest women’s captain for my home town club, giving me opportunities to play for the club week in week out. Winning silverware together and all my individual success I wouldn’t have achieved without your backing.”

She continued: “All the memories we have I’ll never forget, especially the one where I lost a bet and you made me train in your kit. Even when I left you still backed me and believed I was gonna achieve what I’ve always wanted and I’ll continue to do that.”

But it’s not just players and clubs who have worked with Beard recently that have paid tribute to the manager. Chelsea have released a lengthy statement paying tribute to the monumental impact Beard had on the club during this three year stint as manager, crediting him with “laying much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”.

“On the pitch, Matt was at the helm as we moved home to Staines Town’s Wheatsheaf Park, entered the new Women's Super League and guided us to a first Women's FA Cup final in 2012,” the statement reads. “But his impact was equally – if not more so – felt off the pitch by his players and everyone involved with Chelsea Women.Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn't just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people.”

It continues: “Matt was integral to the growth of the women's game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community. Our thoughts are with Matt’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May you rest in peace, Matt.”

Beard was most recently appointed as manager of Burnley Women in June 2025, but resigned in August. Women’s football has lost a one of a kind manager – he will be truly missed.

Image: Getty