Former Liverpool and Chelsea Women's Manager Matt Beard Passes Away at 47

Matt Beard's passing

Matt Beard, the former Liverpool and Chelsea women's manager, has sadly passed away at 47. Read more about his legacy and tributes from the football community.

“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth...”

Matt Beard, the former Liverpool and Chelsea women's manager, has sadly passed away at 47. The news was announced by Liverpool Football Club on Saturday, with the club expressing their shock and sadness at his sudden death.

Beard's legacy in women's football is undeniable. He led Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and guided them back to the top flight in 2022 after a two-year stint in the second tier. His dedication and passion for the sport earned him numerous accolades, including two FA WSL Manager of the Season awards.

We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard.

Matt was a key figure in growing the women's game and will be missed by all.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/HCjzuKAMGz

— The FA (@FA) September 20, 2025

Reaction from the Football Community

The football community has come together to pay tribute to Beard, with former players and colleagues praising his kindness, integrity, and commitment to the sport. 

Some notable reactions include:

Emma Hayes: “Matt Beard was an incredible investor in the women's game and someone who will be remembered by his players, his staff, and his colleagues for the amazing character that he was.”

Millie Bright: “Absolutely heartbroken” by the news, describing Beard as a person of “real integrity and warmth.”

Katie McCabe: Praised Beard as “one of the good guys in football” and expressed gratitude for his support during her career.

Laura Coombs: Shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Beard “a great, great man” and “the most passionate man” she knew.

Memorials and Postponed Matches

As a mark of respect, Liverpool's Women's Super League match against Aston Villa has been postponed. Burnley also postponed their match against West Bromwich Albion, where Beard had a brief stint as manager. The Women's Super League will observe a minute's silence ahead of kick-off at Sunday's games in memory of Beard.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt's family and friends at this devastating time,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“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.”

Matt Beard's managerial career began when he took over Millwall Lionesses mid-season in 2008, leading them to the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division title and promotion to the top tier in 2008-09. 

He then managed several prominent women's football teams, including:

Chelsea Ladies (2009-2012): Guided the team to the 2012 FA Women's Cup Final and a third-place finish in the FA Women's Premier League National Division.

Ahead of kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in memory of former manager, Matt Beard.

Our thoughts are with Matt’s friends and family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/pbH9XosRDy

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 21, 2025

Liverpool Women (2012-2015 and 2021-2025): Won back-to-back FA WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, and secured promotion to the WSL in 2021-22. He departed Liverpool in February 2025.

Boston Breakers (2016-2017): Had mixed results in the NWSL, but gained valuable experience and exposure to American sports.

West Ham United Women (2018-2020): Led the team to the 2019 FA Women's Cup Final, where they lost 3-0 to Manchester City.

Bristol City Women (2021): Served as interim manager, helping stabilize the squad during a challenging WSL campaign.

Burnley Women (2025): Briefly took over as head coach in June 2025, but resigned in August 2025 after two months in the role.