The footballing world has been left devastated by the news of Beard’s sudden death, with the Football Association calling him a “key figure” in the growth of women’s football in a post on X. Other figures from the women’s game have honoured Beard on social media, with former تشيلسي boss Emma Hayes and أرسنال striker Alessia Russo leading the tributes.
U.S Women’s وطني team boss Hayes, who took over from Beard as Chelsea manager in 2012, wrote on Instagram: “Can’t quite compute this. Absolutely one of the best humans. Always available for a chat, one of the good guys. A champion in the women’s game and a top bloke. So gutted for his family.”
إنجلترا striker Russo also said: “Warmest guy with the biggest heart.”
Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. A truly special man with a heart of gold. RIP Beardy.”
Arsenal and Canada attacker Olivia Smith, who played under Beard at ليفربول, wrote: “Wouldn’t be where I am without you.”
Starting his career at ميلوول Lionesses, Beard became Liverpool manager for the first time in 2012 following a spell at Chelsea. He guided the Reds to back-to-back دوري كرة القدم للسيدات titles in 2013 and 2014 before departing in 2015. The former Boston Breakers and وست هام boss returned to Liverpool in 2021, leading them to promotion from the بطولة to the WSL in 2021-22. He left Liverpool in February this year.
Liverpool are set return to action when they travel to Aston Villa in the Women’s الدوري السوبر on Sunday, but there is uncertainty over if the game will go ahead and whether it will be postponed to honour Beard.
