Matt Beard during his Liverpool's days
Matt Beard, best known for his success with Liverpool Women, has died aged 47, as confirmed by Liverpool FC. Beard was the most successful manager in the club’s women’s side history. He passed away suddenly, and his wife Deb Beard shared the news, asking for privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Beard’s career in women’s football covered many top clubs. He first managed Millwall Lionesses in 2008, then took charge of Chelsea Ladies. In 2012, he moved to Liverpool Women, where he won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. After leaving Liverpool, he worked in the United States with Boston Breakers before returning to England to coach West Ham United Women and later had a spell with Bristol City Women. Beard returned to Liverpool in 2021 and helped the team win promotion back to the WSL (Women’s Super League) in 2022. Most recently, he had taken the role at Burnley Women, a position he left in August 2025.
Across all these roles, Beard was respected not just for trophies but for how he worked with people. Clubs paying tribute noted his integrity and the positive influence he had on players and staff. The Women’s Super League said Beard played an instrumental role in developing the women’s game, helping raise standards and bringing professionalism and belief to teams under pressure.
At Liverpool, a club statement 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.” In addition, West Ham United, Chelsea, and many others in women’s football also sent messages of condolence, recalling both his achievements and the kindness he showed.
Beard is survived by his wife Deb, and his children. His family asked for privacy to grieve. The sudden nature of his passing means there are still many unanswered questions about what happened, and details about time and cause are not yet public.
Although his most recent role was brief, Beard’s impact is deep. He managed hundreds of matches, lifted teams back into top tiers, and helped many young players grow. For fans and for the sport, his legacy will be one of both success and care—winning titles, yes, but also building confidence and camaraderie.
The news shocked the women’s football world. Fans took to social media, former players expressed grief, and fellow managers spoke about how Beard’s belief in his players often pushed them to achieve beyond expectations. Clubs that competed against his teams noted he was always demanding but fair, always focused on progress, not just results.
As the football community absorbs this loss, there is recognition that Beard’s work helped shape the modern women’s game in England. From the early days at Millwall Lionesses to his recent stint at Burnley, Beard’s journey reflects both the challenges and the growth of the sport. His passing leaves a gap, but his influence will be remembered in the players he guided, the clubs he served, and the game he loved.
