A Manager Who Transcended Tactics

Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie vividly recalls the magnetic influence of Matt Beard, the late manager who "made you feel like the best football player in the world." Speaking on the Women’s Football Weekly podcast, Dowie emphasized Beard’s unparalleled ability to inspire loyalty and confidence across his storied career.

From Charlton to WSL Glory

Dowie’s journey with Beard spanned four clubs, including two historic stints at Liverpool where they clinched back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014—a feat that shattered Arsenal’s decade-long dominance.

"Those two years were the best time of my life," Dowie said. "He knew I’d run through a brick wall for him—and I would. That’s how he made everyone feel."

The Unconventional Trailblazer

Beard’s humility and authenticity left an indelible mark. Dowie reminisced about his hands-on approach, even watering pitches at Tranmere during her 2023 loan spell.

"He never tried to ‘fit in’ with modern trends. People called him old-school, but he was just Beardy—a man who loved the game more than the glamour."

Tributes Across the Football World

• WSL matches held a minute’s silence to honor Beard, who passed at 47.
• Anfield paid homage before Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Southampton.
• Former West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt coach Julia Simic highlighted Beard’s player-first philosophy:

"His care was his strength. He created environments where players thrived—not just through tactics, but through belief."

A Final Lesson in Accountability

Simic shared a poignant memory from their 2019 FA Cup final run with West Ham:

"After losing to Man City, Beard told us, ‘I messed up—I said we’d reach the final, not win it.’ That honesty? That’s why we’d follow him anywhere."

Legacy Beyond Trophies

As tributes pour in, Beard’s legacy endures as a champion of empowerment in women’s football—a manager who turned underdogs into legends and left every player feeling invincible.

Image source: Getty Images
Caption: Matt Beard celebrating Liverpool’s 2014 WSL title—a triumph etched in football history.