Late Reds boss Beard inducted into WSL Hall of Fame

Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has been posthumously inducted into the Women's Super League Hall of Fame, along with Casey Stoney and Kerys Harrop.

Beard, who led the Reds to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, died in September 2025 at the age of 47.

He had a second spell in charge of Liverpool in 2021 but was sacked in February 2025 and his last role was at Burnley, where he resigned in August 2025 after just two months in charge.

Beard also had spells at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, West Ham and National Women's Soccer League side Boston Breakers, as well as an interim period in charge of Bristol City.

"Beard's association with women's football in England spanned almost two decades, with much of his managerial career taking centre stage in the top flight at the helm of Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United," said a WSL statement., external

"Making history when managing the Blues in the Barclays WSL's first ever fixture in April 2011, he also won two league titles whilst on Merseyside (2013 and 2014) and led the Hammers to the 2019 Women's FA Cup Final."

As a player, Stoney lifted 12 major trophies - including two league titles and four FA Cups - during her time at Chelsea, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Lincoln Ladies and Liverpool.

She won 130 England caps and skippered her country, appearing in three World Cups. She also captained Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics.

Stoney retired from playing at the age of 35 in February 2018.

"Destined for a career in management, she became the first ever head coach of Manchester United eight years ago, leading the club to promotion to the top flight in her first season in charge before consolidating their position in the league's upper echelons," said the WSL.

"Now heading up the Canadian women's national team after a spell at San Diego Wave, Stoney's impact on the game - particularly during its formative years - was profound, while her position as a trailblazer managerially has ensured that her name is firmly embedded in the history books."

Harrop made her WSL debut for Birmingham City in 2011 and won the FA Cup with them in 2012.

She made 135 appearances for her hometown club before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2020 and retired in 2023.

The WSL said Harrop was "a player who played the entirety of her 12-year career in the Barclays WSL and once held the title of being the division's record appearance holder ... earning legendary status during her time with the Midlands outfit [Birmingham City] and establishing herself as one of the game's pioneers".