Beard left a legacy at Liverpool - Reds boss Taylor
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Image source, Getty ImagesMatt Beard left a "legacy" at Liverpool and his death will leave "a big void", says current Reds women's team manager Gareth Taylor.
Beard, who guided Liverpool to Women's Super League (WSL) titles in 2013 and 2014, died on Saturday aged 47.
Taylor and his squad came together at their Melwood training centre on Monday and held a minute's silence, with further tributes planned for Tuesday at Anfield before Liverpool's men's side play Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round.
"We have lost Matt far too young," said Taylor.
All of our thoughts of course are with them at this moment.
"It's a huge loss and he will leave a big void."
Image source, Getty Images
Beard had two spells in charge at Liverpool and after his reappointment in 2021 helped them win promotion back to the WSL, and a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.
Taylor became Reds boss in August and added: "I had a bit more insight into Matt because I used to play with his brother Mark at Sheffield United.
"I had big shoes to fill when I came in here, and I was really supported well by Matt.
He left so many memories for people to hold on to."
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool Women managing director Andy O'Boyle also paid tribute to Beard and said: "On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, I'd just like to extend our greatest condolences to Matt's family; his wife Debbie, his children Harry and Ellie, and his wider family and friends.
"It has been a really sad time for everyone.
You can see over the years the success he has brought to the club.
"Not just the success on the pitch, the success off the pitch as well in terms of the people, the players, the staff, colleagues within the game - you can see how much love and joy he brought to Liverpool, the football club and also to women's football and wider football."
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast.