Beard’s managerial resume is stacked with achievements. Twice named WSL Manager of the Year in 2013 and 2014, he remains the benchmark for success in Liverpool‘s women’s history. Only last season, Beard was still at the helm of Liverpool, helping to stabilise the club in the top flight. His most recent post came at Burnley, where he was appointed manager in June 2025 before stepping down just two months later in August.
The cruel loss was confirmed by his wife, Deb, who wrote an emotional message on social media. “It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight at 7.28pm,” she said. “He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him. All of our family kindly ask for time to grieve in peace at his loss. We will love you forever, you absolute legend.”
Liverpool Football Club were among the first to issue a statement. His connection with the Reds was unbreakable, having returned for a second spell in charge to guide the club back to the top flight after relegation.
“Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard,” it read. “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.”
The Women’s Super League added its voice, acknowledging Beard’s enormous influence on the sport.
“Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing,” the statement read. “Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”
Messages of condolence are expected to flood in from across the footballing landscape in the coming days. Clubs, players, and fans alike are already sharing their grief online, painting a picture of a man universally respected and admired.
