Beard was 'one of a kind and had purest of souls'

Liverpool's Women's Super League match at Aston Villa on Sunday has been postponed following the death of former manager Matt Beard.

Beard, 47, led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, and returned for a second spell in 2021.

"Following the tragic death of former Liverpool Women head coach Matt Beard last night, Liverpool's players were rightly offered the opportunity to postpone today's Barclays WSL fixture," Aston Villa said in a statement.

"We apologise to fans for the late notice and inevitable inconvenience but would ask for understanding at this sad time. The club will be in touch regarding the rearranged fixture in due course.

"Meanwhile our thoughts and condolences remain with Matt's family."

Beard began his managerial career with Millwall Lionesses in 2008 and won promotion in his first season. A three-year spell at Chelsea followed in which he took them to an FA Cup final.

He won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014, and managed the club during their first ever Champions League campaign.

Beard also had spells in charge of Boston Breakers in the United States and back in England with West Ham and Bristol City.

He returned to Liverpool in 2021 for a four-year term and led the Reds to promotion back to the WSL, helping them to a seventh-placed finish the following season. His last job was a brief period at Burnley.

It was also announced on Sunday that Burnley's Women's National League match against West Brom has been postponed.

The Women's Super League posted on X that a minute's silence will be held before kick-off in the games taking place on in both the WSL and WSL2.

In a statement on Saturday, 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."

League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: "Matt was a true champion of women's football and dedicated his early career to advancing the game on its path to professionalisation.

"He played an integral role in the development of players, coaches and the wider game as one of the most active managers in women's football over the past 15 years, achieving success at some of the biggest clubs in the game.

"Away from football, Matt was hugely popular and loved by those that knew him well. His sense of humour and big personality was matched by his empathy and kindness and he will be sorely missed by his friends in the LMA."

Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes also paid tribute and said: "Matt Beard 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.

"He was always smiling, always coaching from the touchline. He was someone who gave a huge deal to the game and to his players. Everyone across the game can speak to the qualities and character of Matt Beard.

"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. My heart goes out to his family, but I want to take the time to acknowledge what a special man he really was."