Matt Beard, the popular and successful women's football coach who led Liverpool to two Women's Super League titles, has died at the age of 47. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sport, with many remembering his humour, his dedication to the women's game, and his fatherly care for his players.
Beard's Liverpool side won back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, cementing his legacy as the most successful women's team coach in the club's history. He also guided Chelsea to their first FA Cup final in 2012, took West Ham to their first FA Cup final in 2019, and led Liverpool to promotion back to the WSL in 2022. Known for his straight-talking style and ability to find bargains in the transfer market, he was affectionately dubbed the 'Del Boy of women's football'.
Former England goalkeeper Carly Telford paid tribute, saying: 'He believed in the women's game when few did … he cared for us all as if we were his daughters.' Chelsea manager Emma Hayes described Beard as 'an incredible investor in the women's game'. Both Burnley and Liverpool postponed their matches on Sunday as players and staff mourned.
Beard's love for family was evident in his pride over a painting of his late father in his office. He often emphasised that football was less important than life's key moments, once saying after leaving Liverpool: 'I've never been better, I've just been for a hike with my son!'
