Recently, the world of women’s football lost a true trailblazer in Matt Beard. His legacy extends far beyond results on the pitch – he will be remembered as a legend for the lasting impact he had on the game and on countless people within it. To some, he may have appeared simply as a manager, but to those who knew him, he was so much more. He was a lifelong champion of women’s football before it even mattered to many.
During his early career days, Matt had his first coaching job with non-league side Kingstonian, followed by stints with Tooting & Mitcham, Hampton & Richmond Borough, before moving on to an assistant role at Charlton Athletic Ladies.
Beard then joined Millwall Lionesses in June 2008 as an assistant, alongside Keith Boanas at the helm, where the former would eventually kick off his managerial career. After six months, Boanas passed the reins to Beard, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career. He quickly made his mark by guiding the Millwall Lionesses to the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division title and securing promotion to the top flight in the 2008/09 season.
On the recommendation of Casey Stoney, then team captain who had previously played under him as an assistant at Charlton, Beard was appointed first-team manager of Chelsea Ladies ahead of the 2009/10 season. During his tenure at the West London club, which lasted until 2012, he added significantly to his list of achievements. These included reaching the 2012 FA Women’s Cup Final, the FA Premier League Cup semi-finals in 2009, and securing a third-place finish in the FA Women’s Premier League National Division in his very first season in charge.
Following his departure from the Blues, Beard would then begin his shining legacy at Liverpool Women. He was in charge at the Merseyside club for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, and would soon win back to back WSL titles at the club. However, his first stint at Liverpool ended in September 2015 to pursue a head coach position across the pond at NWSL side, Boston Breakers.
In June 2018, Matt returned to management in England, taking charge of West Ham Women. Less than a year later, he led the Hammers to Wembley for an FA Cup final. Although the East London side were defeated 3-0 by Manchester City, reaching a major domestic final was a remarkable achievement in itself. Beard would later depart the club in November 2020 by mutual consent.
Around six months later, Beard returned to Liverpool, six years after his previous departure, and was reappointed as manager of the Merseyside club, where he continued to build on his earlier successes. By the end of his first season back in charge, the Reds had secured the Women’s Championship title and went on to enjoy several strong seasons in the Women’s Super League. After departing Liverpool again in February 2025, Matt would embark on the final chapter in his career in June of the same year, joining National League side Burnley. However, he would resign a few months later in August to pursue new opportunities.
Tributes to the former WSL manager made it clear that he was a deeply loved figure in the women’s football community. He had a way of brightening everyone’s day, whether they were a fan, a player from his team or the opposition, a fellow manager, or a member of the backroom staff. His infectious energy and genuine willingness to make time for anyone were treasured qualities.
In a recent press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with West Ham, Sonia Bompastor reflected on the loss of Matt Beard, noting the profound impact he had on both London clubs.
“Everyone is heartbroken from the news and for the loss of Matt Beard. I didn’t have to wait for the sad news to know who he was and what he did for the club. I had some really good conversations with Paul Green when I joined the club and I know that he did a wonderful job here in Chelsea. He was part of the foundation and the base, he helped the club to build the team today, a lot of people here in the club were connected to him and his family, all our thoughts remain with his family.”
In addition, Hannah Hampton acknowledged the trailblazer that Beard was during her acceptance speech for the Yashin trophy at this year’s Ballon D’Or ceremony.
“The women’s game sadly on Saturday lost a real trailblazer, Matt Beard. Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women’s game when no one else did. He lit up the room when everyone was in it. And this is just a message to show that not everyone should have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Fara Williams, former Lionesses midfielder who scored 10 goals in 48 appearances for Liverpool, spoke of Beard’s unwavering support throughout her career.
“He was somebody that saw potential in me that maybe I didn’t see myself. When I had difficult periods outside football he was there.
He was like an older brother. We had laughs together, a similar humour. Just somebody that cared about everyone else.
He gave a lot of love, he gave a lot of attention to people. He gave opportunities when people thought they were down and out. He was the guy that would find a space for them.”
Having been involved in the women’s game from the very beginning, his impact was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed. His legacy lives not only in the trophies and victories, but in the countless lives he touched along the way.
Remembering Matt Beard, whose impact will endure.
No one should have to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available:
BBC Action Line: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline
Samaritans (UK & ROI): 116 123 (free, 24/7)
National Suicide Prevention Helpline (UK): 0800 689 5652
