The world of women’s football is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures, as news broke of former Liverpool manager Matt Beard’s death at the age of 47. The impact of Beard’s passing has resonated deeply throughout the football community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike. In a testament to his enduring legacy, major fixtures across the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s National League were postponed, allowing the community a moment to reflect and honor his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Liverpool’s eagerly anticipated Women’s Super League clash away at Aston Villa, scheduled for September 21, 2025, was among the high-profile matches postponed in the wake of Beard’s death. The WSL issued a statement confirming the postponement, noting, “A further announcement regarding the rearrangement of the fixture will be made in due course.” The decision, though disappointing for fans, was met with understanding and respect for a man whose influence stretched far beyond the touchline.
Beard’s managerial journey began in 2008 with the Millwall Lionesses, where he wasted no time making an impression, guiding the team to promotion in his very first season. His talent and ambition quickly caught the eye of bigger clubs, and a fruitful three-year spell at Chelsea followed. There, he led the Blues to an FA Cup final, setting the stage for even greater achievements to come.
But it was at Liverpool where Beard truly cemented his legacy. Taking the helm, he orchestrated back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, a feat that not only brought silverware to Merseyside but also elevated the profile of the women’s game across England. Under his guidance, Liverpool embarked on their first-ever Champions League campaign, breaking new ground and inspiring a generation of players and supporters.
Former England midfielder Fara Williams, who played under Beard during those championship years, spoke movingly about his influence both on and off the pitch. “He was more than a manager,” Williams told 5 Live. “He was a great mentor and friend. The warmth he gave people… Whenever you came into contact with him there was something special about him. He always greeted you with a ‘hello darling’. That was his line, a warm hug. He saw everyone as the same. He never had judgement of people.”
Williams, who scored 10 goals in 48 games for Liverpool, credited Beard with helping her through some of the most challenging periods of her career and life. “He was somebody that saw potential in me that maybe I didn’t see myself. When I had difficult periods outside football he was there. He was like an older brother. We had laughs together, a similar humour. Just somebody that cared about everyone else. He gave a lot of love, he gave a lot of attention to people. He gave opportunities when people thought they were down and out. He was the guy that would find a space for them.”
Beard’s influence extended well beyond Liverpool. After his initial spell with the Reds, he took on roles at Boston Breakers, West Ham, and Bristol City, before returning to Liverpool in 2021. His second tenure saw him lead the club back to the WSL, further solidifying his status as a transformative figure in women’s football. Most recently, Beard had taken charge at Burnley, although his time there was brief, resigning in June 2025 after just two months at the helm.
The ripple effect of Beard’s passing was felt across the footballing landscape. In addition to Liverpool’s postponed fixture, Burnley’s Women’s National League match against West Brom was also called off as a mark of respect. Before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 games on September 21, a minute’s silence was observed, offering a poignant moment for players, staff, and supporters to pay their respects.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the game. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner told BBC Sport, “The football family is devastated by Beard’s death.” He continued, “I think he is as iconic as Emma [Hayes] is in the game. He has helped women’s football for a long, long time. He has come from grassroots all the way up. In this sad, sombre moment it is nice to reflect on a beautiful human and somebody that I was very fond of. I had the very great pleasure of playing against him many times. We will reflect and if there is any support we can offer the family of course we would love to do so. I hope the women’s football family comes together and in general the football family to celebrate a wonderful human and somebody I know will live long in the memory of everybody. Rather than the sadness, congratulations on the life you had. You have touched many people and your memory will live long and forever.”
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Steph Houghton, who faced Beard’s teams on numerous occasions, echoed these sentiments. “It’s so heartbreaking. He has left a huge impact on women’s football from what he did at numerous clubs,” she told BBC Sport. “When women’s football was just starting, he was a key figure. When you played against him you could see his personality and want to win. The most important thing is him as a human being, he would ask about your family after the game and show his love. His selfless nature stands out for me and he is going to be massively missed.”
Beard’s legacy is not just in the trophies and promotions, but in the relationships he built and the lives he touched. Williams summed it up perfectly: “He was somebody that cared massively about the women’s game and was there from the beginning. He was fully focused on trying to drive and get the game to where it is now. I’m sure he will be proud of where the game is now and the part he played in that. He cared about the game, he cared about where he could take the game, he cared about people maybe more than he cared about himself. He gave attention and time and that is something you can’t buy. You can’t buy somebody’s time and investment. That is something he did with a lot of us, me in particular, and I am forever grateful for what he did for me.”
As the WSL and the wider football world pause to remember Matt Beard, the sense of loss is profound—but so too is the gratitude for a life dedicated to the beautiful game. Fixture announcements and the resumption of matches will come, but for now, the football family stands united in honoring a true pioneer whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
