Matt Beard's devastated wife and kids receive financial support from TV star and public
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Jacqui Oatley has been 'blown away' by the overwhelming support shown to the family of Matt Beard following his heartbreaking death, after establishing a JustGiving page to assist his loved ones.
Liverpool Football Club confirmed the passing of their former Women's manager on Saturday evening at the age of just 47.
In the wake of his death, football commentator and sports presenter Oatley established a JustGiving page to assist Beard's wife, Debbie, and family with urgent funeral and living expenses.
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"On Saturday September 20th 2025, the wonderful and much loved football manager Matt Beard suddenly lost his life," Oatley penned on JustGiving.
"While Matt's wife Debbie and children, Harry and Ellie, attempt to navigate the shock of this heartbreaking tragedy, we wanted to help Debbie with the immediate stress of funeral fees and the cost of living."
"All donations will go directly to Matt's family, helping them to cover essential costs during this incredibly difficult time.
If friends or supporters wish to ease the burden of funeral costs, etc, here's a way to support Matt's wife Debbie as she and the kids attempt to process the sudden loss of this lovely man."
Within hours, thousands of pounds were donated, prompting her to post again saying: "Blown away by the way the women's football community is wrapping its arms around Matt Beard's widow Debbie, kids Harry, Ellie and all the family.
"The kind words alongside the donations mean so much to them right now".
Earlier, Oatley had paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Liverpool manager on her social media page.
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"Stunned and heartbroken by the news of Matt Beard's sudden death," she wrote.
RIP Matt, we won't forget you."
In a subsequent post, she penned: "You may have worked out by now, after seeing the heartfelt tributes from his former players, fellow managers, coaches and journalists, that Matt Beard was a very special person.
"He was also a hugely significant figure in the evolution of the women's game in England.
For now, we're all thinking about the wonderful person who's left the touchline forever - and sending all the love in the world to the family members Matt adored so much".
Beard had two spells at the helm of Liverpool FC Women, guiding the Reds to consecutive Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, before making a triumphant return to the club in 2021 and securing the FA Women's Championship in spectacular style and promotion back to the WSL at the first attempt.
He parted ways with the club earlier this year, and most recently managed Burnley Women.