Matt Beard's son makes emotional statement after dad's death at just 47 - 'Never the answer'
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The son of former Liverpool Women boss Matt Beard has shared a devastating message on social media after the coach's death at just 47 years old.
On Saturday, it was confirmed that Beard, who won consecutive Women's Super League titles during his first stint at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014, had passed away, with the club honouring "a person of real integrity and warmth" and "an extremely committed and successful manager".
Since the shocking news broke, tributes have flooded in from across the world of football for the coach, whose career saw him take charge of seven different clubs, including Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea Ladies, West Ham United Women and Bristol City Women.
Last month, he stepped down from his position as head coach of Burnley Women after just two months in charge.
News of Beard's passing has left the football world reeling, with tributes being paid to him at Women's Super League fixtures over the weekend.
Liverpool's WSL clash against Aston Villa was postponed following the tragedy, but other teams participated in a minute's silence, while one of his former players, Fara Williams, was consoled by her BBC Sport colleagues as she paid tribute to the late manager on Sunday.
Tributes have also been paid by Beard's devastated family, with his son Harry posting on social media to share cherished memories of his father.
Please don't take your own life, we all miss you dad."
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Sharing a video of his late father jumping into a pool, Harry added: "Never failed to make me laugh, even when having a bad day, he always used to say, 'I bet I can make you smile' and he always did."
Beard's niece Olivia also paid tribute, sharing photos of her with the former Liverpool Women manager and writing: "Rest in eternal peace my beautiful uncle Matt.
However, he was sacked by The Reds in February this year as the team sat in seventh place in the WSL.
Liverpool paid tribute to Beard on Saturday, issuing a statement that reads: "Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.
He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.
"After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women's FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women," the statement continued.
"He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women's football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women's Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.