A Tribute to Matt Beard: Matt Beard was born on 9 January 1978. He was a professional football coach who primarily coached women’s football teams. He managed teams such as Chelsea Ladies, Millwall Lionesses, Bristol City, Burnley Women, and West Ham Women during his professional career and has carved out a legacy for himself as one of the most influential and dedicated managers.
The Beginning of his coaching career
He started out his managerial career with a coaching job where he was a reserve team manager and did stints throughout the 2008-09 season. He guided Millwall Lionesses to the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division.
2009-2012 – Laying Foundations at Chelsea Ladies
He helped shape Chelsea Ladies during the three years he was there between 2009 and 2012, which helped lay the foundations of the team prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival in 2012.
He developed young talent and set professional standards for them.
Multiple WSL titles
During 2013 and 2014, Math Beard led Liverpool to winning back-to-back WSL titles against Arsenal.
He managed and coached Liverpool from 2012 to 2015 and then again during his second stint, from 2021 to 2025.
Mathew also had time with Chelsea Women, Millwall Lionesses(2008-09), Bristol City (2012, Interim), Burnley Women, West Ham Women (2018-2020),
In 2021, he earned a promotion back to WSL.
Recognition of his Tactical Acumen and Leadership
In the 2023-2024 Campaign, he won the Women’s Super League Manager of the Season Award.
Head Coach of Burnley Women
An announcement on 19 June 2025 had been made, where it was revealed that Beard had taken over as head coach of Burnley Women, which brought excitement and expectations with it.
However, only two months into the role, he announced that he was resigning to pursue other opportunities.
A Key Figure in women’s football
The Football Association called Matt Beard a Key Figure in women’s football who helped shape the sport for women. He played an instrumental role in the women’s football teams and dedicated his early career to the development of the players and the coaches, and was one of the most active managers of women’s football for over 15 years, leading some of the biggest football clubs to success.
Fan’s Favorite ‘Beardy’
Beard was a fan’s favorite since he had led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL trophies, and this had ensured his place in the fans’ hearts.
His journey was a testament to dedication, passion, leadership, and most importantly, love for the game. Matt Beard passed away at the age of 47 on 20 September 2025.
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