Legendary Coach is Found Dead at Home

Former Liverpool women’s soccer coach Matt Beard has died at the age of 47 after being found hanged at his home, according to a coroner’s court in Wales.

Emergency crews were called to his house in Deeside, Flintshire, before he was rushed to the Countess of Chester Hospital, where he passed away on the night of Saturday, September 20. The inquest was opened this week but has been adjourned until a later date.

Beard was a well-known figure in women’s soccer, managing for nearly 20 years. He twice coached Liverpool’s women’s team, winning back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and later helped the club earn promotion back into the top division. He also coached at Chelsea, West Ham, and Millwall, leaving his mark on some of England’s top programs. Most recently, he briefly managed Burnley before stepping down earlier this year.

News of his death stunned the soccer community. Manchester United women’s manager Marc Skinner called him an “icon” of the game, while U.S. Women’s National Team coach Emma Hayes described him as “one of the best humans” and a true champion of women’s soccer.

Beard’s family shared emotional tributes. His brother Mark remembered him as “the most amazing, caring man,” while his son Harry posted, “Love you dad, 1978–2025. Always will miss you.” Harry also urged others struggling with mental health to seek help, writing: “Suicide is never the answer, reach out. Please don’t take your own life, we all miss you dad.”

Clubs and fans across the Premier League and Women’s Super League honored his memory. Liverpool’s women’s team paid tribute during a match against Sunderland by singing “Matt Beard’s Mighty Reds” and displaying a banner that read: “Liverpool was made for Matt and Matt was made for Liverpool.”

Players spoke about his impact not just as a coach, but as a person who made them laugh even on hard days. Defender Jenna Clark said, “We’ll remember him as the happy character he was.”

Beard’s career helped shape the modern women’s game in England, leaving behind a legacy of championships, mentorship, and inspiration that will continue long after his passing.