Beard

Men’s team manager Arne Slot said Beard “did great things for this football club”.

“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,” he added.

“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.

“It’s not only that he gets all the respect he deserves here at Liverpool but I think all around women’s football.”

Liverpool Women managing director Andy O’Boyle also paid tribute to Beard, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, I’d just like to extend our greatest condolences to Matt’s family; his wife Debbie, his children Harry and Ellie, and his wider family and friends.

“It has been a really sad time for everyone. You have seen how the club and football have come together, and we extend our sympathies to Matt’s family and friends at this time.

“Matt has been an iconic figure in the women’s game. Obviously winning two WSL titles with Liverpool and then also getting promoted from the Championship up to the WSL. You can see over the years the success he has brought to the club.

“Not just the success on the pitch, the success off the pitch as well in terms of the people, the players, the staff, colleagues within the game – you can see how much love and joy he brought to Liverpool, the football club and also to women’s football and wider football.”

Former Liverpool and Burnley manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47.

Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.

He returned for a second spell at the club in 2021 but was sacked in February this year.

In a statement, Liverpool paid tribute to “an extremely committed and successful manager”.

They added: “He was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club. Rest in peace, Matt.”

Following his reappointment in 2021, Beard led the Reds to promotion back to the WSL and helped them to a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.

Beard also managed Liverpool during their first ever Champions League campaign.

He was appointed Burnley manager in June but was sacked after just two months in charge.

Beard had previous spells at National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers and West Ham, as well as an interim period in charge of Bristol City.