Few recognized him as one of the most celebrated managers, while others knew him as a devoted family man. And for some, he was simply “Beardy” – not just because of his surname but also because of his savvy beard. That’s Matt Beard for you, ladies and gentlemen. A man who gave so much to soccer and to his family, before bidding farewell to the world once and for all.

September 21, 2025, goes down as yet another darkest day in the beautiful game’s history. Yesterday, his wife, Deb, confirmed in a social media post that Beard breathed his last at 47. “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.” 

Indeed, he was. He devoted himself to whatever came ahead of him in his life. With a managerial career spanning over 17 years, Matt Beard did more than just put a team like Liverpool Women’s back on the map, winning games and trophies. His role in uplifting the women’s side of the game often goes unnoticed, but after hearing about his saddening demise, ex-NWSL coach Casey Stoney sure didn’t let the opportunity slip by to address it.

“This is how I will remember Matt!” began Casey Stoney in an Instagram post she shared with a grayscale image of the former Reds manager, holding a ball in his hand. “The cheeky but loveable man that came into our lives at Charlton and took us into his heart.” Conveniently, she and Matt lived on the same road, and boy, there were so many nights the two used to catch up with a pint of beer.

Stoney, who took charge of the Canadian women’s national team earlier this year, recalled the days when she and Beard lived on the same road, sharing countless evenings laughing over a pint. She remembered his face lighting up when he spoke about meeting Debbie, how content he looked, and how “bloody excited” he was to be expecting his first child.

She also recounted her phone call in 2009, asking Beard to take over at Chelsea despite the club having little money to offer. Even then, he didn’t hesitate and said yes, a decision that would leave a lasting mark on the women’s game. “The impact Matt (Beardy) had on so many he will sadly never truly know,” continued the 43-year-old.

“He was a fierce supporter of the women’s game when no one cared, he was a manager that cared deeply for his players, he was a friend that could always make you laugh of the darkest of days but most importantly he was a father, a husband, a son, a brother and an uncle. Thinking of everyone who knew and loved Matt❤️ Rest in peace, ‘darlin,’” concluded Casey Stoney.

Simply a legend. Who certainly would have thought Matt Beard made such sacrifices and rally support only for the game he cherished for the rest of his life. It all began when he kicked off his managerial journey in 2008 with the Millwall Lionesses, his first role as head coach. He took over at Chelsea Ladies a year later before moving on to Liverpool in 2012.

His most celebrated spell came on Merseyside, where he guided the club to consecutive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014—an era still regarded as one of Liverpool’s finest in the women’s game. He even cemented his legacy at Anfield and in the wider WSL. It’s not surprising to hear the Reds postponed their weekend’s WSL fixture against Aston Villa after his sudden passing. After leaving in 2015 to take charge of the Boston Breakers in the United States, he returned to England in 2018 to lead West Ham United. Three years later, he was back at Liverpool again, steering the team to promotion from the Championship and securing their place again in the WSL, further cementing his legacy at Anfield and within the league.

Most recently, he was named Burnley’s manager in June of this year, but stepped down after only two months. The unfortunate news has left the soccer world grieving and in shock. Speaking of which, it wasn’t just Casey Stoney who shared his impeccable sacrifice for the game.

Matt Beard has left a “huge void” in the game!

Emma Hayes replaced Matt Beard at Chelsea in 2012. While Hayes went on to achieve unprecedented success with the Blues, the club acknowledged after Beard’s passing that he had been instrumental in shaping Chelsea Women during his three years in charge, “laying much of the foundations” for the success that followed.

It’s something that even Emma Hayes didn’t forget to mention, “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,” she wrote in an Instagram story.

Further adding a statement through the League Managers Association, the Camden-born called Beard an “incredible investor in the women’s game.” Calling the former Millwall boss a one-of-a-kind man, Hayes added that “Matt will leave a huge void in the women’s game.” She said that his players, staff, and colleagues will remember Matt for the remarkable character he embodied. Hayes said that he was known for always smiling and for his constant presence coaching from the touchline. Those who worked with him often noted how much he gave to the game and his players, with people across the game able to attest to his qualities and character.

The rest of the soccer world didn’t fail to echo this sentiment, including players, coaches, and fans alike, paying their respects to the man who was a dedicated family man and a soccer aficionado. But sadly, it is with a heavy heart that we’re all hearing and need to accept that he is no longer with us.

Rest in peace, Matt Beard.