Former Liverpool Women's manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, with his son Harry issuing a heartbreaking statement on social media following the news of his father's death
John Jones
11:02, 22 Sep 2025
The son of the late Liverpool Women's manager, Matt Beard, has shared a poignant message on social media following his father's untimely death at just 47 years old.
On Saturday, the football world was shocked by the announcement of Beard's passing, a man who clinched back-to-back Women's Super League titles during his first tenure at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014. The club honoured him as "a person of real integrity and warmth" and "an extremely committed and successful manager".
Since the devastating news emerged, heartfelt tributes have flooded in from all corners of the football community for the coach, whose illustrious career saw him take the helm at seven different clubs, including Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea Ladies, West Ham United Women and Bristol City Women. Just last month, he stepped down from his position as head coach of Burnley Women after a brief two-month stint.
Beard's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the football world, with respects being paid to him at Women's Super League matches over the weekend. Liverpool's WSL match against Aston Villa was postponed due to the tragic event, but other clubs observed a minute's silence.
Fara Williams, one of his former players, was consoled by her BBC Sport colleagues as she paid homage to the late manager on Sunday, reports Wales Online.
Beard's grieving family have also paid their respects, with his son Harry taking to social media to share cherished memories of his father. In one touching post, he shared photos of them together, captioned: "Love you dad, [19]78-[20]25. Always will miss you."
Another post showed a photograph of him clasping his father's hand, alongside the words: "Suicide is never the answer, reach out. Call 111, or 999. Please don't take your own life, we all miss you dad."
Posting a clip of his late father leaping into a swimming pool, Harry continued: "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 offered her condolences, posting pictures of herself with the former Liverpool Women boss and penning: "Rest in eternal peace my beautiful uncle Matt. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. I love you. Until we meet again."
During his initial spell at the club, he secured back-to-back WSL championships with Liverpool, before claiming the Women's Championship title with them in 2022 after returning to the managerial position twelve months prior.
Nevertheless, he was dismissed by the Reds this February whilst the team languished in seventh place in the WSL.
Honouring Beard on Saturday evening, Liverpool released a statement declaring: "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. 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. 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. Rest in peace, Matt."
The WSL also shared a heartfelt tribute on X, stating: "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."
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.