Cliff Notes – Matt Beard, ex-Liverpool women’s manager, dies aged 47
- Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard has passed away at the age of 47, leaving a significant impact on women’s football.
- Beard managed Liverpool twice, winning the Women’s Super League in 2013 and 2014, and was remembered for his integrity and warmth by colleagues and players alike.
Matt Beard, ex-Liverpool women’s manager, dies aged 47
Emily KeoghSep 20, 2025, 10:03 PM
CloseBased in London, Emily Keogh is ESPN’s women’s soccer correspondent, specializing in the WSL and UWCL Matt Beard had two spells in charge of Liverpool. Richard Pelham – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard has died aged 47, the club have announced.
Beard had two spells as manager of Liverpool and most recently left the Women’s Super League club in February this year.
Liverpool issued a statement on Saturday evening, writing: “Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.
“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.”
Beard managed Liverpool from 2012-2015, winning the WSL in 2013 and 2014 and returning to the club from 2021-2025, earning promotion back to the WSL in 2021.
He was appointed Burnley boss in June but resigned in August.
Burnley said in a statement on the club website: “It is with sadness that Burnley can confirm Matt Beard has passed away, at the age of 47.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.”
Beard also had spells with Chelsea (2009-12), West Ham (2018-20), Millwall (2008-09), Bristol City (2012, interim) and the Boston Breakers (2016-17) in the NWSL.
Chelsea, the current six-time defending WSL champions, said he laid “much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”.
The Blues said in a statement: “Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn’t just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people.
“Matt was integral to the growth of the women’s game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community.”
Hayes, now coach of the United States women’s national team, said Beard would leave a “huge void” in women’s football.
“Matt Beard was an incredible investor in the women’s game and someone who will be remembered by his players, his staff, and his colleagues for the amazing character that he was,” Hayes said in a statement released through the League Managers Association.
“He was always smiling, always coaching from the touchline. He was someone who gave a huge deal to the game and to his players. Everyone across the game can speak to the qualities and character of Matt Beard.
“Matt will leave a huge void in the women’s game. He was one of a kind, and his loss will be felt by all. My heart goes out to his family, but I want to take the time to acknowledge what a special man he really was.”
West Ham, who Beard led to the FA Cup final in 2019, said: “West Ham is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Matt Beard. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
A statement on the Women’s Super League X account 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.
“Rest in peace, Matt.”
The Football Association also paid tribute to a “key figure” in women’s football.
“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard,” a post on the official FA X account said.
“Matt was a key figure in growing the women’s game and will be missed by all. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The NWSL called Beard “a respected coach whose impact on the game was felt on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The League
Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute on X, stating: “Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard.
“We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time.”
Information from PA was used in this report.