Liverpool and Burnley WSL matches postponed following Matt Beard’s death as tributes continue

Liverpool have postponed their Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa following the death of former manager Matt Beard on Saturday.

Matt, who had two spells in charge of Liverpool, left the club in February.

Matt Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with the Reds in 2013 and 2014 during his first spell and rejoined the club in 2021 following spells with Boston Breakers in the United States, West Ham and Bristol City.

He guided Liverpool to promotion back to the WSL in his first season back at the helm and remained in charge until February.

The club announced the death of the 47-year-old late on Saturday in a club statement and confirmed on Sunday morning that their match against Aston Villa would not go ahead.

Liverpool posted on X:

“Liverpool’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa today has been postponed.

“Following the sudden and tragic news of the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, the match at Villa Park – scheduled for 12pm BST – will not take place.

“Details of a rearrangement will be confirmed in due course.”

The death of ex-Liverpool boss Beard has stunned the women’s game, but sparked an outpouring of adulation for an extremely popular figure.

“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard,” the Football Association wrote on X. “Matt was a key figure in growing the women’s game and will be missed by all.”

The WSL’s official X account added: “Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.”

Beard started his managerial career with Millwall Lionesses before a move to Chelsea in 2009 and reached the FA Cup final three years later. A switch to Liverpool followed along with two WSL titles before another FA Cup final appearance at West Ham.

A second spell at Liverpool resulted in promotion back to the women’s top flight before his departure this summer. A short stint at Burnley ended in August before Beard died aged 47, which was announced on Saturday.

After leaving Liverpool, Beard was announced as Burnley boss in June but resigned in August after a short spell in charge.

The Clarets earlier confirmed their match against West Brom, which was scheduled for Sunday, had been postponed following the news of Beard’s death.

The WSL announced a minute’s silence will be held across all other games taking place in the league and WSL 2 on Sunday.

Chelsea’s meeting with Leicester, Brighton’s match with West Ham and Arsenal’s trip to Manchester United are all set to go ahead.

WSL posted on X: “Clubs across the Barclays WSL and Barclays WSL2 will take part in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off at games today in memory of Matt Beard following his passing.”

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