Matt Beard's Death: Liverpool-Aston Villa Game Postponed as Reds Mourn Iconic Ex-Manager
- Liverpool Women’s clash with Aston Villa has been postponed as the club and fans mourn the sudden passing of a former manager
- A period of silence will be observed across WSL matches today to honor the 47-year-old coach and his lasting impact on women’s football
- Tributes have flooded in on social media, with fans, players, and colleagues remembering Beard’s achievements and legacy
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Liverpool FC has announced that its women’s team will not face Aston Villa today, as the club and football community mourn the sudden loss of former manager Matt Beard.
The match, originally scheduled to kick off on Sunday September 21, has been postponed to allow players, staff, and fans to pay tribute to the late coach.
Source: Getty Images
According to Mail Online, in honour of Beard, a period of silence will be observed at other Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL2 fixtures taking place today.
The 47-year-old former Reds manager is remembered for his immense contribution to women’s football and the legacy he left at every club he served.
Beard had two successful spells with Liverpool Women, guiding the team to consecutive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.
According to Liverpool Echo, Beard's coaching career also included stints at Millwall, Chelsea, West Ham United, Bristol City, and Burnley.
He stepped down from his role at Liverpool in February before taking over at Burnley, a position he held until resigning at the end of August.
With nearly two decades in women’s football, Beard earned widespread respect for his tactical acumen and leadership, being named WSL Manager of the Season on two occasions.
Fans react to Matt Beard's passing
Meanwhile, fans and members of the football community have been taking to social media to share their grief and pay tribute to Matt Beard.
Supporters, players, and colleagues alike have expressed their sorrow, remembering his impact on the women’s game and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
@Groundrealities commented:
''Heartbreaking news. Thoughts are with Matt Beard’s family, friends, and the entire LFC Women community. Football takes a backseat at times like these.''
@DLCreative said:
''To all the players and all the staff that are being affected this. My condolences to each and everyone one of you and my thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time. Football will always be secondary in these matters and that is more than ok.''
@YorkshireLass reacted:
''Absolutely heartbreaking news. Matt Beard was a true inspiration to many, and his impact will be felt deeply. Let’s remember him fondly and support each other during this tough time.''
Source: Getty Images
Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's passing in Spain
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported extensively on the another tragic incident that rocked the Premier League champions - the death of Portuguese winger Diogo Jota on July 3, 2025.
The highly-rated Premier Leaue star and his brother, Andre Silva, were tragically killed while traveling in Northern Spain after one of the tyres on their car reportedly burst and caught fire. Jota and his brother were recently remembered one month after the devastating event.
Source: YEN.com.gh
