Former Liverpool coach Matt Beard gets Hall of Fame recognition after tragic passing

Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard, who tragically passed away in September 2025, has been posthumously inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame

Matt Beard was remembered before the match between Aston Villa Women and Liverpool Women in September 2025.(Image: Jess Hornby - WSL Football via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard, who passed away in September of last year, has been posthumously inducted into the Women's Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game.

Beard had two successful and memorable spells in charge of the Reds, who he left for a second time back in February 2025. His first tenure saw him win consecutive WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014.

Beard returned to Merseyside in 2021 and immediately led the Reds back to the top flight from the second division after a tough few years and a relegation during the Covid period.

Twice named the WSL Manager of the Season, in 2013 and then again in 2024, Beard also managed Millwall, Chelsea, West Ham, Bristol City and Burnley.

He had a long and decorated period in the women’s game, spanning nearly two decades, and died at the age of 47.

The Reds said in a statement shortly after his passing: "Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.

A minute's silence was held before Liverpool's game against Southampton in honor of Matt Beard(Image: Getty Images)

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.

"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.

"He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.

"After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women.

"He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.

"He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures. Rest in peace, Matt."

The WSL posted on X, saying: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.

"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game. Rest in peace, Matt."