Women’s football has been left in a state of shock after it was confirmed that former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has tragically died at the age of 47.

Beard was in charge of Liverpool twice during his 17-year career in women’s football management, winning back-to-back league titles in 2013 and 2014.

In a statement on X, the club said: ‘Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.

‘The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.’

Beard was most recently appointed Burnley manager but resigned after just two months in charge.

He began coaching in the women’s game in 2008, and had stints at Chelsea, Millwall Lionesses and West Ham alongside Liverpool.

He won two WSL titles in his first spell in charge of the Reds. On returning to the club, he secured promotion back into the top flight in his first season, before guiding them to a fourth-placed finish in his second.

Eastbourne Borough FC, who are managed by Matt’s brother Mark, added: ‘EBFC would like to send our condolences to former boss Mark Beard following the passing of his brother, and former WSL manager, Matt Beard. We are sending Mark and his family all of our best wishes.’

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Former Liverpool women’s manager Matt Beard has passed away aged 47