Matt Beard passes away aged 47

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Others leave a deeper mark by the way they care for the players and staff around them.

When someone like that is suddenly gone, the loss feels heavy for everyone who ever shared a training ground or a matchday with them.

Liverpool Football Club knows this feeling now.

The women’s game, which has grown stronger and more competitive in the last decade, owes much to managers who believed in it early and gave it their all.

Matt Beard was one of those figures.

He guided teams through title races, European nights and hard battles to climb back into the top division.

His influence stretched from Merseyside to London, to the United States and back again.

He gave his heart to every role.

Now the club, the league, and all who knew him face a sudden silence.

Supporters remember the exciting years of championship football.

Former players think of the trust and belief he offered.

Friends and family hold on to memories of his kindness.

Liverpool confirmed on Saturday that former LFC Women manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47.

In a heartfelt statement the club said it is “deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.”

The club added, “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.”

They honoured his character as well as his record, “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?

Rest in peace, Matt.”

Beard’s Liverpool story began in 2012 when he built a side that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and led the Reds into their first Champions League campaign.

After spells with Boston Breakers, West Ham United Women and Bristol City Women, he returned in 2021.

In his first season back he won the FA Women’s Championship and promotion to the WSL, later guiding Liverpool to seventh place on their top-flight return.

His family’s pain is clear.

His brother Mark wrote: “We will love you forever Matt Matt.”

The Football Association called him a “key figure” in women’s football, while the WSL said, “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.”

From his first trophy-winning squad to his most recent players, Matt Beard’s legacy at Liverpool and in the wider women’s game will last far beyond the touchline.

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