Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard dies suddenly at 47

Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died suddenly at the age of 47, Liverpool announced on Saturday, prompting tributes from clubs and figures across the women’s game. The club said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news and expressed condolences to Beard’s family and friends, adding that he was “a person of real integrity and warmth” who would be remembered with “genuine fondness.”

Beard was one of the most successful managers in English women’s football over the past decade. His first spell in charge of Liverpool, beginning in 2012, produced back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and the club’s maiden campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. After coaching in the United States with the Boston Breakers and managing West Ham and Bristol City, he returned to Liverpool in 2021 and led the Reds to immediate promotion from the Championship. He left Liverpool in February and was appointed Burnley boss in June, a role he resigned from in August. Burnley confirmed his passing and said the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club were with his family.

The cause of death has not been released and was described by clubs as sudden. His wife,...