Matt Beard’s passing last week has left a huge void in the world of women’s football and in the hearts of Liverpool supporters.
A manager, mentor, and leader, Beard was more than just a coach on the sidelines he was the driving force behind one of the most important chapters in Liverpool Women’s history.
The 47-year-old’s legacy is etched not only in trophies and results but also in the players he inspired and the community he helped build.
Started coaching in the men’s game and the rest is history…
Beard started coaching in the men’s game initially before becoming manager at Millwall Lionesses back in 2008, where he achieved promotion in his first season. He then moved on to Chelsea, where he spent three years laying down the groundwork for his future success. During this time, he led them to an FA Cup final.
In 2012, he moved to Liverpool, and it was there that he became one of the greatest managers in WSL and Liverpool Women’s history.
He also had a spell at West Ham Utd from June 2018 to November 2020 (where he left the club through mutual consent). Beard was in charge of West Ham for their first season as a professional outfit in the WSL. He didn’t enjoy too much league success with the Irons; however, in the FA Cup, he was really successful. In May 2019, he took West Ham to Wembley but they lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the final.
Matt Beard – Once a Red, Always a Red
When he joined Liverpool in 2012, the team was definitely going through a transitional period, but it was brimming with so much talent and potential. The squad included some young Lionesses legends: Lucy Bronze, Fara Williams, and Katie Zelem.
The turnaround of the squad going forward was remarkable and will go down in WSL history.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. The side finished rock bottom of the table in 2012 with 5 points, so this was an unbelievable achievement for himself, his coaches, and his players.
After some time away from Liverpool, he later returned to his beloved Reds in 2021. At the time, Liverpool had been relegated from the top flight, but he took them straight back from the Championship (WSL2) to the top. The following season, they finished seventh and have remained in the WSL ever since. He also took charge of Liverpool’s first-ever Women’s Champions League campaign, which was surely a special moment for himself and everyone involved with the club.
He was sacked in February this year before taking up the managerial role for a short time at third-tier side Burnley.
A legacy like no other
Matt Beard may not have won a lot of trophies, but his legacy in the women’s game is like no other.
His main aim was always to support, help, and encourage his players to be the best they can be on and off the pitch, and this is what made him so special. He will not only always be remembered for those back-to-back titles, but he will also be remembered for simply being the kindest soul, his laughter, and pure passion for driving the women’s game forward, right down from the grassroots level to the WSL.
His name will forever be tied to one of the brightest eras in Liverpool Women’s history and, of course, the WSL as a whole. His influence will continue to be felt in the game he gave so much to. Though he is gone too soon, his story remains a chapter that will never be forgotten.
Former Liverpool player and former Lioness legend pays tribute to her great friend and manager
Talking on BBC Radio 5 live, former Lioness and Liverpool player Fara Williams said: “The warmth he gave people, whenever you came into contact with him, there was something special about him; he always greeted you with a ‘hello darling’. That was his line, a warm hug. He saw everyone as the same, and he never had judgment of people.
“Win, lose, or draw in difficult moments that we have as sportspeople, he would never shy away from giving people his time. He’s just a special guy. I wish he were here to see and feel that from all of us. He was one of a kind and had the purest of souls.”
Fara Williams made 48 appearances for the Reds and scored 10 goals. Upon the impact Beard had on her own personal career, she added, “He was somebody who saw potential in me that maybe I didn’t see in myself. When I had difficult periods outside football, he was there; he was like an older brother. We had laughs together, a similar humour. He was just somebody who cared about everyone else.
From all of us at The Football Deck, our heartfelt love and support go out to Matt’s family during this deeply difficult time. His legacy at Liverpool Women, and in the wider game, will never be forgotten.
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