MILLWALL Lionesses said they were “deeply saddened” at the death of their former manager Matt Beard, among an outpouring of tributes for the 47-year-old.
Beard’s passing was announced by Women’s Super League club Liverpool at the weekend.
Beard guided Liverpool to two WSL titles in 2013 and 2014.
Beard started his managerial career with the Lionesses, leading them to the Women’s Premier League Southern Division tittle and promotion to the top flight in 2008-09.
“Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard,” the Lionesses said in a statement.
“We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time.”
Beard returned to Liverpool for a second spell and led them to the 2021-22 Women’s Championship and back into the top tier.
He was named the WSL manager of the season in 2013 and 2024.
Beard and his wife, Deb, had two children. Deb posted a message on social media. It read: “It is with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight [Saturday] at 7.28pm. He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.
“All of our family kindly ask for time to grieve in peace at his loss. We will love you forever, you absolute legend.”
Beard – whose older brother Mark played for Millwall – also had spells in charge at Chelsea, Boston Breakers, West Ham and Bristol City.
His last job was at Burnley. He was appointed last June but resigned two months later. The Clarets’ Women’s National League match against West Brom was postponed.
Liverpool’s WSL game at Aston Villa scheduled for Sunday was also postponed.
There was a minute’s silence before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 games on Sunday.
Liverpool said: “Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard. 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.”
In a statement on X, the WSL said: “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.”
Beard was hugely well regarded around the game, with tributes continuing to pour in this week.
Former Chelsea boss and current United States manager Emma Hayes posted on social media: “Can’t quite compute this. 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. So gutted for his family.”
LMA 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.
“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.”
