Matt Beard was one of the most recognizable figures in English women’s soccer: a coach who twice put Liverpool Women on the map and whose sudden death in 2025 sent shockwaves throughout the community. He is remembered for a warm touchline manner, a track record of success in the Women’s Super League, and a long, serial managerial career that spanned clubs on both sides of the Atlantic.

But apart from his exceptional coaching career, Beard will also be remembered by his peers as an approachable person who was never shy to talk. As Emma Hayes, Matt’s successor at Chelsea and the current USWNT boss, wrote in her recent IG story, Beard was an “Absolutely one of the best humans. Always available for a chat, one of the good guys. A champion in the women’s game and a top bloke.”

Who is Liverpool Women’s former manager, Matt Beard?

Matt Beard (born 9 January 1978) was born in Roehampton, England, and built a reputation as a thoughtful, player-focused coach. He was married to Debbie (often referred to as Deb in tributes) and leaves behind two children. Those who worked with him frequently pointed to Beard’s family-oriented values and the close relationships he formed with players and staff. His older brother, Mark Beard, also had a connection to the professional game as a player.

Matt’s introduction to soccer came through his family. His older brother, Mark, was a professional baller and is the professional development phase coach at EFL Championship club Hull City.

Matt Beard’s Early Life & Career

Beard’s coaching CV grew steadily from grassroots and reserve roles into the women’s professional game. After early roles in non-league and youth set-ups, he took charge of Millwall Lionesses before moving to Chelsea Ladies in 2009. His first spell at Liverpool began in 2012, and that period established him as one of the brightest young coaches in the women’s game; he later had managerial spells with the Boston Breakers in the NWSL, West Ham United Women and a short interim role at Bristol City before returning to Liverpool in 2021.

In 2025, Beard took up a job for Burnley Women, but dropped his papers soon after. These steps reflect a coach who is comfortable working across different cultures and competitions.

Matt Beard’s Major Achievements with Liverpool Women

Beard’s most celebrated achievements came during his first Liverpool tenure when he guided the club to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014: an era that remains one of the highest points in the club’s history. He returned in 2021 and masterminded Liverpool’s promotion from the Championship, overseeing the club’s return to the top flight and stabilizing the side upon their re-entry. Those successes — league titles and promotion — cemented his legacy at Anfield and in the wider WSL.

Matt Beard’s Departure from Liverpool & Final Role

Beard parted ways with Liverpool Women in February 2025 after a challenging run of results. The club publicly thanked him for his contribution to their development and for guiding them back to the WSL. Later that year, he accepted the head-coach role at Burnley Women in June. His spell there was brief, and by late August the club announced his resignation. Tributes following his passing emphasised both his tactical acumen and the human qualities that made him widely respected across the women’s game.

In a sport that has changed rapidly over the past decade, Matt Beard was both an architect and a steady custodian. He was a coach who combined hard-won tactical experience with a reputation for care and integrity. His record of titles and promotions will be recalled alongside the many testimonials from players and colleagues who remember him as much for his character as for his results.