‘I might have to go back into estate agency’ – losing your job in the WSL

When Women’s Super League managers are sacked, the clock is ticking to find another job as soon as possible.

With families to look after and few opportunities for full-time jobs in the game, it’s not the easiest thing to do.

“If a Premier League manager loses their job, they are comfortable financially – but we are not,” former Liverpool boss Matt Beard told BBC Sport.

Beard, 47, was sacked at the end of February after four years in his second spell with the club.

He says he needs to get something lined up “by the summer at the latest” in order to provide for his wife and two children, aged 14 and 12.

“I need a plan A and a plan B. I want to stay in football but if I can’t find anything – there are not that many professional teams in England in the women’s game – then I need to look at maybe going back into estate agency work or something like that,” added Beard.

“It would probably be a last resort for me. But at the end of the day I have a family I need to support. I need to look at all options.”

Beard believes losing his job is “part and parcel” of being a football manager and he was supported by the League Managers’ Association (LMA) when he left Liverpool.

But his family moved up to north-west England from London, where the children started new schools, and he is conscious of disrupting things as he contemplates his next steps.

“I want to stay in the game and continue managing. I have my pro licence and degree in business management,” said Beard.

“I think people see me as a fixer who can build something but I know I’m much more than that when I look back at my time as a football manager.

Beard left Liverpool on strong terms having guided the club to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 during his first spell, before winning the Women’s Championship in 2022 on his return.

He says getting sacked with a year and a half left on his contract was “difficult” but he only has respect for the club and the support they gave him.

“It was going to happen at some point in my career,” said Beard.

“You have to take emotions out of the conversation. I have no qualms with the decision but I still think we would have finished in the top five this season.

“It’s frustrating losing your job. Was I owed time? I don’t know. I have nothing but pride when I look at the journey.

Time away has allowed Beard to reflect on the state of the game and what it was like competing financially with WSL leaders Chelsea.

He says other clubs must find ways to invest and grow simultaneously – but not at the expense of losing their connection with the fanbase.

“I think you’ve seen the game grow so much in such a short space of time. I’m always concerned that we run before we walk,” added Beard.

“I have always been an advocate for the bond we have with the fans. That’s what makes our game unique and I don’t want to see that go.

“I also look at Chelsea and the money they have spent… who can compete with that? They spent more on two players than we did on our entire squad. It’s crazy.