By Cameron Winstanley
Copyright dailystar
Liverpool paid an emotional tribute to former women’s team manager Matt Beard, who died suddenly at the weekend.
Beard’s tragic passing was confirmed on Saturday evening, at the age of 47. The Reds released an emotional statement expressing their deep shock and sorrow at his unexpected passing.
Ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup fixture against Southampton at Anfield on Tuesday, the club’s first game since Beard’s death, players and supporters paid tribute to one of the most beloved and inspirational figures in women’s football.
Both sets of players gathered at the centre circle for a minute’s silence to remember the man who managed Liverpool Women for four years between 2021 and 2025.
Arne Slot paid tribute to the two-time Women’s Super League champion, hailing him as “not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth”.
He added: “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.
“Very important [we pay tribute], for what he meant for this football club. And this football club is not only the men’s team, it’s also the women’s team and he had an enormous impact on women’s football here with Liverpool. But apart from that, it’s also his family that’s going through such a hard time at the moment.”
In response to this tragic event, sports presenter and football commentator Jacqui Oatley set up a JustGiving page to assist Beard’s wife, Debbie, and their family with immediate funeral expenses and living costs.
Oakley wrote on the fundraising platform: “On Saturday September 20th 2025, the wonderful and much loved football manager Matt Beard suddenly lost his life.
“While Matt’s wife Debbie and children, Harry and Ellie, attempt to navigate the shock of this heartbreaking tragedy, we wanted to help Debbie with the immediate stress of funeral fees and the cost of living.
“All donations will go directly to Matt’s family, helping them to cover essential costs during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your support.”
Oatley set a target of £5,000, but that figure was smashed in under 24 hours. The current donation stands at £37,947.
