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Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the Women’s Super League club has announced.<\/b><\/p>\n
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014.<\/p>\n
He returned for a second spell at the club in 2021 but was sacked in February this year.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Liverpool paid tribute to “an extremely committed and successful manager”.<\/p>\n
They added: “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. Rest in peace, Matt.”<\/p>\n
After his reappointment in 2021, Beard led the Reds to promotion back to the WSL and helped them to a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.<\/p>\n
Beard also managed Liverpool during their first ever Champions League campaign.<\/p>\n
His brother Mark paid tribute to the “most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him”. <\/p>\n
“We will love you forever Matt Matt,” he said in a social media post.<\/p>\n
The Football Association called Beard a “key figure” in women’s football, adding that its “thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time”.<\/p>\n
The WSL posted a tribute on X, saying: “Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.<\/p>\n
“Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”<\/p>\n
Beard was appointed Burnley manager in June but resigned after just two months in charge.<\/p>\n
He had previous spells at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham and National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers, as well as an interim period in charge of Bristol City.<\/p>\n
The Clarets paid tribute, saying: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.”<\/p>\n
Millwall Lionesses, where Beard started his managerial career, said in a statement: “Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard.<\/p>\n
“We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n