The footballing world has been left devastated following the news of Beard’s sudden death, with former Chelsea manager and current U.S Women’s national team boss Emma Hayes leading the tributes to “absolutely one of the best humans”.
In a post on X, Liverpool confirmed the postponement of their game against Villa this weekend, writing: “Liverpool’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa today has been postponed.
“Following the sudden and tragic news of the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, the match at Villa Park – scheduled for 12pm BST – will not take place.
“Details of a rearrangement will be confirmed in due course.”
The WSL also confirmed Sunday’s remaining fixtures will observe a minute’s silence in tribute to Beard’s enormous impact on the women’s game, writing: “Clubs across the Barclays WSL and Barclays WSL2 will take part in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off at games today in memory of Matt Beard following his passing.”
Beard became Liverpool manager for the first time in 2012 and guided the club to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 before departing in 2015. The former Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, Boston Breakers and West Ham boss returned to the Reds in 2021, leading them to promotion from the Championship to the WSL in 2021-22. He left Liverpool in February this year and became Burnley manager in July, but left the Clarets after just two months in charge. Burnley have announced that their fixture with West Brom, which was also scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been postponed.
With the details of Liverpool’s rearranged fixture with Villa to be confirmed in due course, Gareth Taylor’s side are scheduled to face Sunderland in the group stage of the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday September 24.
