Liverpool and the women’s football world came together on Friday at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to mourn the loss of Matt Beard.
Nearly 600 people attended, including former players and notable figures such as Ian Rush, Casey Stoney, Lianne Sanderson, Fara Williams, Olivia Smith, Taylor Hinds, and Marc Skinner.
His coffin, marked with two Liverpool scarves, was carried down the central aisle past rows of former colleagues and players, some wiping tears as the procession moved.
In his eulogy, Beard’s brother, Mark Beard, issued a powerful plea to all in attendance.
“Please, please, please let Matt’s passing be a lesson to us all. We’re all human, so be more thoughtful. He didn’t deserve to feel like he did,” said the brother.
Mark described Matt as one of the “most inspirational managers” and said he had always lived forward, never looking back.
“He made everyone he came across a better person,” he added.
Outside of football, Mark reminded the crowd, Matt’s true passion was his family.
“They were his driving force and everything he did was for them,” he said.
He also thanked Liverpool Football Club, calling it Matt’s adopted home, and praised the staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital who cared for him.
The funeral underscored the deep impact Beard had and not just through trophies or teams, but through his people-first approach.
As mourners left the cathedral, many reflected on the human behind the manager and the hope his loss might inspire greater empathy across the beautiful game.
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