The women’s football community is mourning the sudden passing of Matt Beard. He died on Saturday, September 20, aged 47. His death prompted tributes from across the women’s game.
Beard managed seven clubs in a career that lasted more than 17 years. During that time, he won two Women’s Super League titles, a Championship title, and three Manager of the Season awards.
“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”
Liverpool FC statement
His Journey Through the Game
Beard began his senior managerial career with Millwall Lionesses. In 2009, he guided them to the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division title. After that, he spent three years with Chelsea, taking the club to the FA Cup final in 2012.
In 2012, Liverpool appointed Beard as manager. He oversaw the most successful period in the club’s history. The Reds won back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. The league also named Beard Manager of the Season in 2013.
He left Liverpool in 2015 and moved to the United States. With the Boston Breakers, he spent two seasons in the NWSL. In 2018, he returned to England to manage West Ham United Women. The Hammers reached the FA Cup final at Wembley in 2019.
Beard also had a short spell at Bristol City in 2021 as interim coach. Later that year, Liverpool brought him back for a second spell. In 2022, he won the FA Women’s Championship, securing promotion to the top flight. The following season, Liverpool finished fourth in the WSL, their best result in almost a decade. Beard received his second WSL Manager of the Season award in 2024.
In June 2025, Burnley named him as their new women’s manager. The club confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday.
Tributes from Clubs and Players
Chelsea said Beard “was someone who helped shape Chelsea Women … laying much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival.”
Emma Hayes, now head coach of the United States, added: “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. 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.”
Players also paid tribute. Former West Ham captain Gilly Flaherty wrote that she was “absolutely devastated and lost for words … The best manager & friend I could’ve ever had.” Natasha Dowie, who played under Beard at Liverpool, said: “From playing for you at the age of 17 to finishing my career with you at LFC. You were one of a kind Beardie. Will miss your cheeky smile, hello darling and big hug. RIP my friend.”
The Women’s Super League described him as someone who “played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone.” The Professional Footballers’ Association called him “a hugely respected and loved figure across the game.”
“Matt was someone who helped shape Chelsea Women during his three years in charge between 2009 and 2012, laying much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”
Chelsea FC statement
“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”
Emma Hayes
An Early Leader in the Women’s Game
Beard’s death comes at a time of rapid growth for the women’s game in England and abroad. His career reflected much of that change, from the semi-professional era to record attendances in the WSL. At every club, he helped raise standards on and off the pitch. His influence will remain part of the league’s history.
“From playing for you at the age of 17 to finishing my career with you at LFC. You were one of a kind Beardie. Will miss your cheeky smile, hello darling and big hug. RIP my friend“
Natasha Dowie (LFC ambassador and played under Beard in three separate spells)
“Beardy is an incredible human. He has and will continue to leave a legacy in our game. It’s a very sad day but there’s some solace in knowing that his memory will always live on. He was a larger-than-life character.”
Marc Skinner (Manchester United Women Manager)
Remembered for His Success
Beard remains the most successful manager in Liverpool Women’s history. His two league titles in 2013 and 2014 remain unmatched at the club. His second spell delivered promotion back to the WSL and their best top-flight finish in almost a decade. Across seven clubs and two continents, his work underlined his impact on the women’s game.
Career at a Glance
- 2008–09 Millwall Lionesses – FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division champions
- 2009–12 Chelsea – FA Cup finalists 2012
- 2012–15 Liverpool – WSL champions 2013, 2014; WSL Manager of the Season 2013
- 2016–17 Boston Breakers
- 2018–20 West Ham – FA Cup finalists 2019
- 2021 Bristol City (interim)
- 2021–25 Liverpool – FA Women’s Championship winners 2022; WSL Manager of the Season 2024
- 2025 Burnley
All of us at VERTA extend our deepest condolences to Matt Beard’s family at this difficult time.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available.
You can speak to Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
If you are outside the UK, please visit findahelpline.com, which lists international hotlines and support services in your area.
