Liverpool unveil memorials for former manager Beard

WHAT HAPPENED
Liverpool have put in place two permanent tributes to former women’s team manager Matt Beard. The club opened a memorial garden at its Melwood training base and planted a commemorative tree on 97 Avenue outside Anfield at a private ceremony attended by players, staff and Beard’s family.

Beard, who died on 20 September 2025 aged 47, had two spells in charge of Liverpool’s women’s side — from 2012–2015 and 2021–2025 — and the club said the sites are intended as lasting reminders of his contribution.

KEY CONTEXT
Beard led Liverpool to consecutive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and returned to guide the side back to the WSL by winning the FA Women’s Championship in 2022. He was twice voted WSL manager of the season and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame earlier in 2025.

WHY IT MATTERS
The memorials recognise a manager who played a central role in some of Liverpool Women’s most successful seasons and in their return to the top tier. The club’s public and private commemorations reflect the esteem in which Beard was held by players, staff and supporters, and connect his on-field achievements with the club’s wider community work around mental-health awareness.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Liverpool will dedicate their home Premier League fixture against Fulham to the league’s Together Against Suicide campaign, which runs from 4 to 14 September and focuses on suicide prevention and reducing stigma. Supporters have also organised a fundraiser walk from Melwood to the Brewdog Stadium in St Helens ahead of Liverpool Women’s WSL match against Tottenham on Sunday. The Liverpool FC Foundation’s Kicking Off Conversations Hub, launched last September, continues to offer specialist support to fans.

KEY FACTS
- Matt Beard died on 20 September 2025, aged 47.
- He managed Liverpool Women from 2012–2015 and 2021–2025.
- Liverpool won WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 and the FA Women’s Championship in 2022 under Beard.
- He was a two-time WSL manager of the season and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame earlier in 2025.
- A memorial garden was opened at Melwood and a tree planted on 97 Avenue outside Anfield at a private ceremony.