September 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\nAfter three years with Chelsea, Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 in his first spell in charge and led the side to their maiden Champions League campaign.<\/p>\n
He rejoined the Reds in 2021 following spells with Boston Breakers in the United States, West Ham and Bristol City.<\/p>\n
Beard guided Liverpool to promotion back to the WSL in his first season back at the helm and remained in charge until February.<\/p>\n
He was appointed Burnley boss in June but resigned in August.<\/p>\n
League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: “Matt was a true champion of women’s football and dedicated his early career to advancing the game on its path to professionalisation.<\/p>\n
“He played an integral role in the development of players, coaches, and the wider game as one of the most active managers in women’s football over the past 15 years, achieving success at some of the biggest clubs in the game.?”<\/p>\n
Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who took over from Beard in 2012, said in a statement to LMA: “He was always smiling.<\/p>\n
“Matt will leave a huge void in the women’s game. He was one of a kind, and his loss will be felt by all. My heart goes out to his family, but I want to take the time to acknowledge what a special man he really was.”?<\/p>\n
Burnley said in a statement on the club website: “It is with sadness that Burnley can confirm Matt Beard has passed away, at the age of 47.<\/p>\n
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.”<\/p>\n
Beard managed Chelsea, the current six-time defending WSL champions, between 2009 and 2012 and the club said he laid “much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”.<\/p>\n
The Blues said in a statement: “Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn’t just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people.<\/p>\n
“Matt was integral to the growth of the women’s game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community.”<\/p>\n
Fellow WSL side Manchester United described Beard as a “giant” of the women’s game, posting on X: “Matt was a fierce opponent of ours; a giant of women’s football.”<\/p>\n
A statement on the Women’s Super League X account said: “Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.<\/p>\n
“Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”<\/p>\n
The Football Association also paid tribute to a “key figure” in women’s football.<\/p>\n
“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard,” a post on the official FA X account said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley described Beard as a “lovely man” who “never changed from being the kind, warm, likeable soul he always was”.<\/p>\n
She wrote on X: “Matt saw the England job pass him by multiple times. Never received the credit he deserved, in my humble opinion, as he didn’t work with big budgets.”<\/p>\n
Beard took charge of West Ham in 2018 and led them to the Women’s FA Cup final the following year.<\/p>\n
“West Ham is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Matt Beard,” the club said on X.<\/p>\n
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”<\/p>\n
Another of his former clubs, Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute, as did Charlton, where Beard had a coaching spell.<\/p>\n