Liverpool Football Club has paid tribute to Matt Beard, the former manager of its women's team, by unveiling two permanent memorials at Anfield and the club's training ground.
Beard passed away on 20 September, 2025, at the age of 47. He had two spells in charge of Liverpool's women's side, first from 2012 to 2015, and again from 2021 to 2025, leaving a significant mark on the club's history during both periods.
During his initial tenure, Beard guided Liverpool to consecutive Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, establishing the club as a dominant force in the early years of the competition. He returned to the role in 2021 and led the team back into the top flight by winning the FA Women's Championship in 2022, restoring Liverpool's WSL status after a period outside the league's elite.
Beard's contributions to women's football were recognised beyond his trophy successes. He was named WSL manager of the season on two occasions and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame earlier this year, cementing his legacy as one of the league's most respected figures.
On Friday, a private ceremony was held at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, attended by players, staff, and members of Beard's family. During the event, a memorial garden dedicated to his memory was officially unveiled. A commemorative tree was also planted in his honour outside Anfield Stadium, along 97 Avenue, ensuring his connection to the club remains visible to supporters for years to come.
The tributes to Beard coincide with a broader initiative at the club this weekend. Liverpool's Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday will be dedicated to the league-wide Together Against Suicide campaign, which aims to raise awareness around suicide prevention and highlight the support services available to those in need. The initiative runs from 4 to 14 September and is designed to foster open conversations about mental health while working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
In a related act of solidarity, a group of Liverpool supporters will undertake a charity walk from the Melwood training ground to the Brewdog Stadium in St Helens, the home ground of Liverpool Women, ahead of Sunday's WSL fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. The walk aims to raise funds for Andy's Man Club, a charity focused on men's suicide prevention.
This latest community effort builds on work Liverpool has already undertaken in the mental health space. Last September, the Liverpool FC Foundation launched its Kicking Off Conversations Hub, a resource designed to provide specialist support to fans dealing with mental health challenges.
The combination of Beard's memorials and the club's ongoing mental health advocacy reflects Liverpool's effort to honour his memory not only through recognition of his footballing achievements but also by channelling attention toward causes that mattered within the wider football community. Beard's impact on the women's game, from title triumphs to mentorship of players, remains an enduring part of the club's identity, and these tributes ensure that his name will continue to be associated with both success on the pitch and compassion off it.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.