Beard was a very popular character inside the womens game and the football community in general in England.
He led a burgeoning Liverpool womens team to back-to-back league titles in 2013 and 2014 before returning for a second spell in 2021. Beard also spent time in charge of Chelsea, West Ham and Millwall.
The WSL posted a tribute on X, saying: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.
"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game."
Former Chelsea manager and USA coach Emma Hayes reacted to Beard's passing, posting to social media: "Can't quite compute this. Absolutely one of the best humans. Always available for a chat, one of the good guys. A champion in the women's game and a top bloke. So gutted for his family."
Missy Bo Kearns played for Beard at Liverpool and also said: "You believed in me from day one and we got on like a house on fire. All the memories we have I'll never forget especially the one where I lost a bet and you made me train in your kit. I'll be there for the family and the kids always because you made me part of the family. Lots of love Missy Bo 'Headache' xxx."
Integrity and warmth
Meanwhile, Liverpool paid tribute to their former coach in a statement this morning:
"Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.
"Matt was not only 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.
"He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.
"After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women.
"He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.
"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.
"Rest in peace, Matt."