Matt Beard, a prominent manager in English women’s football who led both Liverpool and Chelsea, has passed away at the age of 47, his former clubs announced on Saturday.
Beard famously guided Liverpool Women to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. After returning to Liverpool in 2021, he helped the club secure promotion back to the top flight following two seasons in the second tier.
His last managerial role was with Burnley Women, a position he held briefly from June to August 2025. Beard had also managed Chelsea Women (2009-12), as well as stints in the U.S. and other WSL clubs.
Liverpool FC described Beard as “extremely committed and successful… a person of real integrity and warmth,” stating that they will remember him with genuine fondness. Sunday’s WSL match against Aston Villa was postponed in his honour.
