Liverpool have announced that former women's head coach Matt Beard has died aged 47.
The experienced women's football manager had only recently left his role at Burnley Women in August, having stepped down to explore new opportunities after just two months in charge.
Liverpool FC expressed profound shock and grief at the news, releasing an immediate statement about their former manager's sudden death.
Liverpool's statement highlighted Beard's character beyond his professional achievements, describing him as someone of "real integrity and warmth" who would be "remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club."
Liverpool have announced that former women's head coach Matt Beard has died aged 47
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"Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard," the statement read.
"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.
"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.
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Matt Beard enjoyed two successful stints in Merseyside
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"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.
"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.
"He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures.
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"Rest in peace, Matt."
Beard enjoyed an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades in women's football management, with his most notable achievements coming during his time at Anfield.
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Matt Beard had only recently left his most recent role at Burnley after just two months in charge
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His career saw him lead numerous prominent clubs across both England and America, accumulating more than 350 matches as a manager.
Following his initial Liverpool tenure from 2012 to 2015, he crossed the Atlantic to manage Boston Breakers.
His Liverpool achievements stand as the pinnacle of his managerial accomplishments.
The FA recognised his exceptional work by naming him WSL Manager of the Season in 2013.
After returning to Liverpool in 2021, he oversaw a promotion and in his final campaign, saw Liverpool achieve a fourth-place finish, and remarkably, he received another Manager of the Season honour in 2024.
His departure from Liverpool in February marked the end of his second successful period managing the Reds.
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