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Michael Edwards has made a large donation to the family of Matt Beard following the former Liverpool Women’s manager’s tragic death last weekend.
Beard’s passing at the age of 47 was announced on Saturday and has left the soccer world in shock. He had managed Liverpool on two separate occasions, winning the Women’s Super League title in 2013 and 2014, while also leading the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Burnley during his career.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the world in recent games, including during Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton acknowledged Beard after winning the Yashin Trophy.
A fundraiser has also been set up in order to support Beard’s family. The Just Giving page, set up by commentator Jacqui Oatley, has since smashed through its £5,000 ($6,725) target to help with funeral and living costs, and currently stands at £44,567 ($59,945) at the time of writing.
Among the top donors is FSG’s CEO of football Edwards, whose contribution has not been disclosed. Alongside his donation, Edwards wrote the message: “Sending thoughts and prayers to Matt’s family at this sad time. Rest in peace.”
Beard was remembered by Liverpool on Tuesday as a minute’s silence was held before the men’s senior team’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton at Anfield, with head coach Arne Slot paying tribute ahead of the game.
“I think in these moments the football world always shows itself at its best – and that’s also what happened now. It’s not only that he gets all the respect he deserves here at Liverpool but I think all around women’s football.
“I’ve heard and also saw the respect the Arsenal fans showed him, so that tells you how much impact he had on the game of football. [But] then we only talk about football, I think the Melwood staff and everyone that worked with him liked him so much – and that’s probably even a more important legacy to leave behind than the trophies you win.
“That the person you are is always more important than what you’ve won. But in his situation, both things were combined – so successful as a manager and a great human being.”
In a statement on Saturday, Liverpool said: “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.”
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