Liverpool Football Club has established lasting tributes to Matt Beard, the influential women's team manager who died on 20 September 2025 at the age of 47. The club unveiled permanent memorials both outside Anfield Stadium and at its training facility, marking the first anniversary of his passing with ceremonies attended by players, staff and his family.
Beard's tenure at Liverpool spanned two periods: from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 until his death in 2025. During his management, he transformed the club's fortunes, guiding Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. After the club's relegation, Beard returned to oversee a successful promotion campaign, securing the FA Women's Championship title in 2022 to restore Liverpool to the WSL.
His achievements earned him widespread recognition within the sport. Beard received the WSL manager of the season award twice during his career and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame earlier in 2026, cementing his legacy as one of women's football's most significant figures.
What do the memorials include?
The club unveiled two distinct tributes in Beard's honour. At the AXA Melwood training ground, a private ceremony on Friday saw the opening of a memorial garden designed as a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance for players, staff and family members. Simultaneously, a commemorative tree was planted on 97 Avenue outside Anfield Stadium, creating a permanent location where supporters can visit to remember Beard's profound connection with Liverpool FC Women.
How is the club marking his memory beyond the memorials?
Liverpool's remembrance extends across multiple initiatives honouring Beard and promoting mental health awareness. The club's home Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday will be dedicated to the Together Against Suicide campaign, which runs from 4 to 14 September and focuses on suicide prevention awareness and reducing stigma around seeking support.
A group of supporters will undertake a charity walk from Melwood to the Brewdog Stadium in St Helens, Liverpool Women's home ground, to raise funds for Andy's Man Club, a men's suicide prevention charity. This walk will take place before Sunday's WSL match against Tottenham, combining remembrance with fundraising for mental health support.
The club's broader commitment to mental health support reflects Beard's legacy. Following his death, Liverpool opened books of condolence at both Anfield and St Helens Stadium, allowing supporters to share their memories. The Liverpool FC Foundation subsequently launched its Kicking Off Conversations Hub in September 2025 to provide specialist mental health support to fans, demonstrating the club's commitment to addressing the issues highlighted by Beard's death.
What was Beard's impact on women's football?
Beard was widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches in women's football history. His achievements at Liverpool represented a significant period of success for the club's women's team, and his recognition through multiple WSL manager of the season awards and Hall of Fame induction underscored his standing within the sport. His work extended beyond trophies, as he helped develop the women's game during a period of significant growth and professionalization in English football.
Key Facts
- Matt Beard managed Liverpool Women in two spells: 2012–2015 and 2021–2025
- He won back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, and secured promotion via the FA Women's Championship in 2022
- Beard was named WSL manager of the season twice and inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2026
- Memorials include a garden at AXA Melwood and a commemorative tree on 97 Avenue outside Anfield
- Liverpool is using the anniversary period to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention support
