According to current Reds women’s team manager Gareth Taylor, Matt Beard left a “legacy” at Liverpool and will leave “a big void.”
Beard, who won the 2013 and 2014 Women’s Super League (WSL) titles for Liverpool, passed away on Saturday at the age of 47.
Before Liverpool’s men’s side face Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup, Taylor and his squad gathered on Monday at their Melwood training facility to observe a minute’s silence. Further tributes are scheduled for Tuesday at Anfield.
Taylor remarked, “We have lost Matt far too young.” However, by reflecting on the incredible impact he managed to leave on so many people over the course of his 47 years, which he stuffed with people who are fortunate to live up until their old age, we can find some solace.
It’s just truly devastating news, Taylor remarked. For his family, friends, [especially]wife Debbie, and children Harry and Ellie, who are devasted. At this very moment, we are all, of course, thinking about them.
After serving two terms as manager of Liverpool, Beard helped them reclaim their position in the WSL and place seventh on their way back to the top flight.
Taylor, who used to play with his brother Mark at Sheffield United, said: “I had a little more insight into Matt because I became Reds manager in August.” They shared a lot of each other’s journeys and were very close.
“I was really supported well by Matt and I had big shoes to fill when I came in here.” He called me several times. You never had a relationship with that guy.
He’s the most enjoyable to work with, in the sense that I had to face him during my time playing women’s football. First and foremost, because of the impression he left on the people he worked for at all of his clubs, particularly here at Liverpool, is his legacy as a person. And of course, his gaffer behavior.
He “taken Liverpool to its true heights.” The most prestigious women’s manager at Liverpool, in my opinion, is only half the story. The person’s void is what he will leave.
Slot tribute to “the greatest person ever”
Arne Slot, the head of the men’s team, said Beard “did great things for this football team.”
“I think the Melwood staff and everyone who worked with him liked him a lot more than the trophies you win,” he continued. “That’s probably even more important to leave behind than the trophies you win.”
“The person you are is always more significant than the victory you have.” However, in his situation, both things were at odds with one: a great manager and a great person.
He receives all the respect he deserves here at Liverpool, and I believe it applies to all other aspects of women’s football.
The Liverpool Football Club’s managing director, Andy O’Boyle, also paid tribute to Beard, saying, “On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, I’d just like to extend our greatest condolences to Matt’s family, his wife Debbie, his children Harry and Ellie, and his wider family and friends.
“Everyone has been through a very dark time,” she said. We extend our condolences to Matt’s family and friends at this time because you have seen how the club and football have interacted.
Matt has become a household name in the women’s game. Evidently, Liverpool won two WSL titles before being promoted from the Championship to the WSL. You can tell how successful he has been at the club over the years.
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