To colleagues and friends, he was the loveable ‘Del Boy of women’s football‘.
Known for not sitting at his desk at Liverpool FC without saying good morning to everybody in the building, Matt Beard’s mantra was ‘no one is above anyone’.
On the wall of his office was a portrait of his late father to remind him that ‘your job is your job’ but that ‘family comes first’ and his players said that he had the knack of making a ‘bad day better’.
In February the proud Londoner left his beloved Reds suddenly yet told a friend that he’d ‘never been better’ because it meant he could spend more quality time with his loved-ones.
He then went to Burnley but left after two months to ‘pursue other opportunities’.
But his family and the football world have been left in total grief and disbelief after he apparently took his life so suddenly this month.
He is survived by his wife Debbie and two children Harry and Ellie.
His brother Mark, a football coach at Hull City, said: ‘You really don’t realise bruv how much you are loved’.
While their sister Lucy shared a video of Matt, who she described as a ‘second dad’, making her laugh and spending time with his children.
‘These videos are only from the last year on my new phone, I have so many memories of this incredible man. How lucky was I to have you as my brother, Matt. Now you’re reunited with our beautiful daddy’, she said.
Matt Beard was a behemoth of the Women’s Super League and the most successful women’s team coach in Liverpool’s history
Matt hugging his children after a Liverpool match
Matt is also survived by his wife Debbie (pictured together)
Before his cause of death was confirmed, his son Harry indicated that his father had died by suicide.
He wrote on social media: ‘Suicide is never the answer reach out. call 111, or 999. please don’t take your own life we all miss you dad.’
Matt had died in hospital on September 20 at the age of 47.
A minute’s silence was held before kickoff in all Women’s Super League games on September 21. Former Lioness Fara Williams fought back tears on BBC Sport as live WSL coverage paused to remember him.
Matt Beard was a behemoth of the Women’s Super League and the most successful women’s team coach in Liverpool’s history.
Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who now manages the United States, said: ‘Matt was an incredible investor in the women’s game and someone who will be remembered by his players, his staff, and his colleagues for the amazing character that he was. Matt will leave a huge void in the women’s game. He was one of a kind, and his loss will be felt by all.’
While former England and Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford said: ‘There aren’t enough words for Matt Beard, he believed in the women’s game when few did … he cared for us all as if we were his daughters, and he always always had time for anyone and everyone – he made a bad day better’.
Former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard (left) , pictured alongside his brother Mark
He began coaching in 2008 and also had spells at Chelsea, Millwall Lionesses and West Ham alongside the Reds.
Beard was most recently appointed Burnley manager but resigned after just two months.
He died ten days ago.
An inquest was opened at Ruthin in North Wales where North Wales east and central coroner John Gittins said the death was due to a ‘devastating’ brain injury.
Mr Gittins said he had been found hanged.
‘Clearly further evidence is going to be required in due course,’ he added.
The brief hearing was adjourned. No family were present.
The football world was sent into shock following news of Beard’s sudden death aged 47
Billy Vigar was part of Arsenal’s under-21s side until last year and enjoyed spells at various clubs. He played for Matt Beard’s brother Mark and died in tragic circumstances this month
His death was a double tragedy for his brother Mark, who is an academy coach.
He had given a senior debut to Billy Vigar while managing Eastbourne Borough, whose death playing for Chichester City this season has also rocked the footballing community.
Mark Beard was among those to pay tribute to Vigar, a graduate of Arsenal‘s academy, who suffered a ‘significant brain injury’ during a match.
The forward was placed in an induced coma after colliding with a concrete wall while trying to keep the ball in play.
It is a devastating double blow for the former professional turned manager, whose brother’s death sparked similar shock and prompted a period of mourning.
In the days since his brother’s passing, Mark has continued to pay tribute.
In response to the eulogies paid to Beard by his former club Liverpool, Mark wrote: ‘You really don’t realise bruv how much you are loved. Thank you to [Liverpool] for what they have done and said since Matt’s passing. Love you more than you know mate.’
