Liverpool pays poignant tribute to Matt Beard - 'Special place in all our hearts'
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Liverpool FC Women have paid tribute to former manager Matt Beard, who died at the age of 47 last week, ahead of their first game since his passing.
A minute's silence was held ahead of Liverpool Women training on Monday at Melwood, and the men's team paused ahead of its game with Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday.
That was throughout the 13th and 14th minutes, in reference to the years 2013 and 2014 when Beard led the club to back-to-back WSL titles.
Captain Grace Fisk paid tribute to Beard in the pre-match build-up to the game?
"Hearing about the loss of Beardy was devastating news and something that we could never have imagined," she said.
"He held a special place in all of our hearts and was different to any other manager I’ve worked under.
"He treated us like family and we treated him like family?
"He was the reason I went to West Ham and the reason why I came to Liverpool, so he’s pretty much carved out my whole career
"He was such a caring and lovable man and I can’t express how much my thoughts are with Debbie, Harry, Ellie and the rest of the family at this incredibly difficult time."
Earlier today, Liverpool announced that a book of condolence has been opened for those who would like to pay tribute to Beard.