Liverpool Women's manager Gareth Taylor paid a moving tribute to former boss Matt Beard after he passed away at just 47. Taylor admitted the shock has left a "big void" across the Reds' Melwood base and beyond. On Monday, the squad gathered in silence at training, holding a minute of reflection in his honour.
Leading Liverpool to glory
Beard’s managerial journey began at Millwall Lionesses before he took charge at Chelsea. His career truly caught fire when he joined Liverpool in 2012, transforming the Reds into the dominant force in English women’s football. Within two years, he delivered consecutive WSL crowns, a golden era that etched his name permanently into the club’s history.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesA 'devastating' death, says Taylor
Speaking with raw emotion, Taylor emphasised the scale of Beard’s legacy: "We have lost Matt far too young. But where we can take some solace is by thinking of the huge impact he managed to have on so many people across his 47 years – a real legacy and he packed in more than a lot of people who are fortunate to be around until their old age.
"It's just really devastating news. Devastating for his family and friends and especially [wife] Debbie, [and children] Harry and Ellie. All of our thoughts of course are with them at this moment. It's a huge loss and he will leave a big void."
A man who delivered more than trophies
While his medal collection and achievements are unmatched at Liverpool, Taylor stressed that Beard’s true mark was the impression he left on people.
"I have to say, he's the most enjoyable to work with, in the sense of coming up against, in my time in the women's game," he added. "The legacy he has left, as a person firstly, because of the impression he left on the people he worked with at all of his clubs, particularly here at Liverpool. And then obviously his record as a gaffer.
"He took Liverpool to the real heights of the game. The most decorated women's manager for Liverpool and I think that is only half of the story. The other half is the void he will leave as a person. He served all of his clubs really, really well and definitely left an impression. As a person, as a coach, as an employee of a club, that's what you look for – to try to leave an impression, and you hope it's a good one. It certainly was with Matt. He left so many memories for people to hold on to."
Getty ImagesBeard's legacy will never fade
For Liverpool, Beard remains their most successful women’s manager, the person who delivered their only two WSL titles and the promotion that restored them to the top table. A touching tribute is set for Anfield on Tuesday night when Liverpool’s men face Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
