Liverpool relieve Matt Beard from women’s managerial duties as Amber Whiteley takes charge of WSL outfit on an interim basis

Beard has taken in two stints as manager of LFC Women, guiding them to back-to-back WSL titles during his first spell on Merseyside. He left for America and the Boston Breakers in 2015, but returned to England following a short adventure in the United States.

After proving his worth again at West Ham and Bristol City, Liverpool reappointed Beard in May 2021. He won the FA Women’s Championship title in his first year back, as the Reds secured a top-flight standing once more. He saw his second spell with the Reds - which included a Barclays Women’s Super League manager of the season triumph in 2024 - pass 100 games this term.

Liverpool have said in a statement on the club’s official website: “On behalf of the LFC Women Board, Mike Gordon, President, Fenway Sports Group; Billy Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, LFC and Susan Black, Communications Director, LFC thank Matt for his significant contribution.

“We have all experienced some fantastic moments with Matt as manager of LFC Women and we express our gratitude for his significant contribution. Our priority was to return this team to where it belongs and we collectively achieved that in 2022 by winning promotion to the WSL. We need to build on that momentum and although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for future success on the pitch.

“The search for a new manager of LFC Women is underway with Amber Whiteley stepping into the Interim LFC Women’s Manager role with immediate effect."

Beard has said in a statement released through the League Managers Association: “I would like to thank Liverpool and the Board for the opportunity to come back and manage at such a wonderful club. I am proud with what we managed to achieve over the last three-and-a-half years, including promotion back to the WSL. I could not have asked for more from the players and staff, and thank them for all their sacrifice and support.

“To our wonderful fans – what a journey it has been across two spells. We would never have achieved anything without you and I thank you for all your love. I will reflect fondly on my time at Liverpool whilst considering my next steps, and look forward to continuing to support Amber and the team from afar for the rest of the season.”

Beard leaves Liverpool with the Reds sat seventh in the WSL table and a long way adrift of the top three. Consistency has been an issue this season, with Beard’s last game at the helm being a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.