Liverpool Women pay tribute to Matt Beard ahead of Sunderland cup clash

Liverpool Women paid tribute to their former manager Matt Beard ahead of their League Cup tie at home to Sunderland – their first match since his shock death at the weekend.

Copies of the matchday programme, which featured a black and white image of Beard on the front, sold out before kick-off and players and fans held a minute’s silence.

Sunderland, led by former Liverpool player Rhiannon Roberts, brought flowers when they signed a book of condolence which has been made available at St Helens Stadium, their home ground.

Thank you, @SAFCWomen and @RazzaRoberts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pltw8oqbid

— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) September 24, 2025

A similar book has also been opened at Anfield and both will be available until Sunday.

Fans sang ‘Matt Beard’s mighty Reds’ in the 13th and 14th minutes, a reference to the years when he led the club to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles.

Beard died on Saturday aged 47.