Matt Beard, the manager who guided Liverpool Women to two Women’s Super League titles and played a crucial role in the growth of women’s football in England, has died aged 47.
Players, coaches and fans alike have been commemorating Beard’s achievements during his career, after his death was announced on Saturday.
As a pioneer in the women’s game, Beard was most well-known for his deep commitment to his role at each club.
Beard ended Arsenal’s dominance in the WSL, claiming back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014 with Liverpool.
His return to the club in 2021 saw promotion from the Championship, restoring the Liverpool’s top-flight status.
Other key milestones in his career included managing Chelsea Women from 2009 to 2012, building his team to be set for the ‘Emma Hayes Era’.
Later on, he coached at West Ham, Bristol City and over in the United States at Boston Breakers, his most recent role being a small stint at Burnley Women earlier this year.
Beard was highly regarded for his ability to hone belief in his players.
Kate Longhurst, who played under Beard’s management at Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham, wrote:
“I don’t think I’ll ever find the right words. A man who I will forever owe so much to. I’m heartbroken.”
Grace Fisk, who also played under Beard at West Ham, commented:
“He treated us like family and we treated him like family… The amount of people who maybe didn’t even play under him or know him that have expressed such gratitude for what he’s done for the women’s game tells you everything.”
Beard’s career took place over a dramatic period of change in women’s football, with increased viewership and investment.
He pushed for a higher standard of professionalism in the women’s game, helping it edge closer to mainstream media.
Though he faced his fair share of challenges, Beard leaves behind a legacy of trophies, togetherness and lives touched.
Above all else, he will be remembered as someone who believed in the capabilities of women’s football long before it was given the common recognition it has today.
