Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League has been postponed following the news of the passing of former Reds manager Matt Beard.
The WSL confirmed that the game would not be played as scheduled on Sunday, adding: “A further announcement regarding the rearrangement of the fixture will be made in due course.”
Beard had been in charge at Liverpool for two spells, leading them to two WSL titles in his first stint, and then getting them promoted from the second tier in his second.
A tribute on Liverpool’s official website described his team as “winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.”
They added: “He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures.”
More recently, he had been in charge at Burnley, but resigned after two months.
The Clarets’ FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division match against West Bromwich Albion had been postponed earlier on Sunday morning.
Former clubs’ fixtures
Other matches featuring his former clubs are currently set to proceed as planned.
Chelsea, who he coached in the Women’s Super League’s inaugural season, host Leicester City today, kicking off at 12 noon.
West Ham – the team he led to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019 – travel to Brighton and Hove Albion today, also kicking off at 12 noon.
Bristol City – where he was interim head coach at the start of 2021, covering Tanya Oxtoby’s maternity leave – are at Southampton in the Women’s Championship, kicking off at 2pm.
Millwall Lionesses play Chislehurst Glebe Ladies in the second qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup. Beard was assistant and then later manager there.
NWSL coaches and players honour Matt Beard
Beard also spent a spell in the USA, coaching the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. Teams in the league honoured his memory during their Saturday schedule, with Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave observing a moment of respect prior to kick-off.
Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – who played for Beard at West Ham – spoke about the impact he had on her career, while head coach Rob Gale said that he and Wave coaching staff Jonas Eidevall and Becki Tweed would raise a glass to him after the match.
