Liverpool’s Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday was postponed following the sudden death of former Reds manager Matt Beard.

Matt Beard, who was 47, is remembered as one of the most successful coaches in English women’s football, guiding Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 before returning for a second spell in 2021.

Confirming the decision to call off the game, Aston Villa said in a statement: “Following the tragic death of former Liverpool Women’s head coach Matt Beard last night, Liverpool’s players were rightly offered the opportunity to postpone today’s Barclays WSL fixture.

“We apologise to fans for the late notice and inevitable inconvenience, but would ask for understanding at this sad time. The club will be in touch regarding the rearranged fixture at a later date. Meanwhile, our thoughts and condolences remain with Matt’s family.”

Beard’s managerial career began in 2008 with Millwall Lionesses, where he won promotion in his first season. He went on to spend three years at Chelsea, leading them to an FA Cup final, before his historic achievements with Liverpool. His career also included spells with Boston Breakers in the United States, as well as West Ham, Bristol City, and most recently Burnley.

During his second stint at Liverpool, Beard led the club back into the top flight and secured a mid-table finish the following year.

The impact of his passing was felt across the women’s game on Sunday. Burnley’s National League match against West Brom was also postponed, while clubs observed a minute’s silence in his honour. Chelsea displayed an image of their former manager before they clashed with Leicester.

Liverpool, in their own tribute, described him as “an extremely committed and successful manager. He was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club. Rest in peace, Matt.”

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