Ex-Liverpool women's boss Matt Beard dies aged 47 as tributes pour in

Former Liverpool women's manager Matt Beard has died aged 47 with the club saying they are "shocked and saddened by the sudden passing". He won back-to-back Women's Super League titles with the club in 2013 and 2014.

The Reds said: "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."

Beard took charge of Liverpool's women's side in 2012 and soon delivered successive league titles. He also took charge of West Ham's women, taking them to the FA Cup final, and also taking the top job at Bristol City Women. Beard also had a spell at Chelsea's women's side.

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He had a second spell with the Reds in 2021 and led them back to the top flight by winning the Women’s Championship. He left Liverpool in February.

The club said he made "a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures."

Non-league outfit Eastbourne Borough said: "#EBFC would like to send our condolences to former boss Mark Beard following the passing of his brother, and former WSL manager, Matt Beard. We are sending Mark and his family all of our best wishes."

Dorking Wanderers posted their own tribute that read: "All our thoughts and prayers at Dorking are with the Beard family following the sudden passing of Mark’s brother Matt (Beard) WSL Manager. A true gentleman and friend of the club, I/we are absolutely gutted for Mark, Clare, Sam, Olivia and all of Matt’s family. RIP Matt - MW."

The Women's Super League posted a tribute from their social media account which read: "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."

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