Matt Beard: Liverpool Women part company with manager after three-and-a-half year spell

Liverpool Women have parted company with manager Matt Beard after three-and-a-half years in charge.

Matt Beard Departs Liverpool Women After Second Spell in Charge

Matt Beard has left his role as Liverpool Women’s manager, bringing an end to his second tenure at the club. His first spell, from 2012 to 2015, saw him lead the team to two Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most successful coaches.

Beard, 47, returned to Liverpool in 2021 and made an immediate impact, guiding the team to promotion back to the WSL in his first season. However, with the club currently sitting in seventh place in the league, his time in charge has come to an end. His final game was a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on February 16.

In a statement, Liverpool expressed their appreciation for Beard’s contributions:

*”We have all experienced some fantastic moments with Matt as manager of LFC Women, and we express our gratitude for his significant contribution. Our priority was to return this team to where it belongs, and we collectively achieved that in 2022 by winning promotion to the WSL.

We need to build on that momentum, and although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for future success on the pitch.”*

With Beard’s departure, assistant manager Amber Whiteley has stepped in as interim boss with immediate effect.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Beard released a statement through the League Managers Association:

*”I would like to thank Liverpool and the board for the opportunity to return and manage this incredible club. I am proud of what we have achieved over the last three-and-a-half years, including securing promotion back to the WSL.

I could not have asked for more from the players and staff, and I truly appreciate their hard work, sacrifice, and support. To our amazing fans—what a journey it has been across both of my spells at Liverpool. We would never have achieved anything without your backing, and I am incredibly grateful for your love and support.

I will always look back fondly on my time at Liverpool while considering my next steps, and I look forward to cheering on Amber and the team from afar for the rest of the season.”*