Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor pays tribute to Matt Beard's legacy
Gareth Taylor praises the impact Matt Beard had on Liverpool Women’s football, highlighting his contributions and character following his untimely death.
Gareth Taylor has described former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard as a figure who left a lasting legacy at the club, following Beard’s untimely death at the age of 47.
Beard guided Liverpool to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and returned to the Reds in 2021 to secure promotion to the top flight.
On Monday, Taylor and his squad held a minute’s silence at Melwood training centre. Additional tributes are planned at Anfield before Liverpool’s men’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton.
“We have lost Matt far too young,” Taylor said. “But his impact on the football community and the people he worked with creates a real legacy. He achieved more in his 47 years than many do in a lifetime. Our thoughts are with Debbie, Harry and Ellie at this devastating time.”
Having played with Beard’s brother Mark, Taylor added: “Matt supported me when I arrived. He was the most enjoyable opponent I faced in the women’s game and left a mark both on and off the pitch.”
Tributes from Arne Slot and Liverpool Women’s director
Men’s manager Arne Slot described Beard as “a great human being” who “did great things for this football club”.
Liverpool Women’s managing director Andy O’Boyle paid further tribute: “Matt was an iconic figure in the women’s game. He brought success on and off the pitch and inspired everyone around him.”
Matt Beard’s achievements and character shaped Liverpool Women’s football, leaving a void that will be felt across the sport.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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