Liverpool women's match postponed after tragic death of Matt Beard aged 47

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Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa in the Women's Super League this afternoon has been postponed following Matt Beard's passing.

Gareth Taylor's side had been scheduled to face Villa in the West Midlands on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 12pm.

However, a decision has been made for the game not to go ahead after ex-Reds manager Beard, 47, died aged 47 on Saturday.

An Aston Villa statement read: "Following yesterday's devastating news of Matt Beard's passing, our Barclays WSL fixture with Liverpool has been postponed." Meanwhile, Liverpool confirmed details of the rearranged fixture would be announced "in due course".

READ MORE:Ex-Liverpool Women boss Matt Beard dies aged 47 as respects paid to WSL winnerREAD MORE:Liverpool FC issue statement as Matt Beard dies aged 47

Beard led Liverpool to the Women's Super League twice in 2013 and then again in 2014.

He managed the Reds twice, with the first ending in 2015 before he returned to Merseyside six years later after spending time at Boston Breakers, West Ham and Bristol City.

He guided the Reds back to the WSL during the 2021/22 season before re-establishing them as a strong outfit in the top flight.

However, after winning 50 and drawing 19 of his 103 matches during his second spell, Beard left Liverpool with immediate effect in February of this year.

Beard was then appointed as Burnley's new head coach in June but he stepped down from his role last month to pursue other opportunities.

He was strongly linked with the vacant role at Leicester City.

Liverpool paid tribute to Beard after it was confirmed that he had died at the age of 47 on Saturday.

In a statement, the Reds said: "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.

"Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club."

The Women's Super League posted a tribute from their social media account which read: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.

"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.

Rest in peace, Matt."

Leeds United Women said: "Everyone at Leeds United sends our heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Matt."

Arsenal Women said: "Everyone at Arsenal sends love, support and condolences to Matt’s family and friends at this difficult time.