BBC Sport Pundit Fara Williams was paying tribute to former Liverpool female manager Matt Beard live on television following her tragic death this week.
BBC critic Farrah Williams received comfort from her colleagues as she brought an emotional homage to former Liverpool female boss Matt Beard, who passed away over the weekend. The soccer community is accepting the tribute following the news of the 47-year-old Beard’s passing.
Beard lifted the Women’s Super League crown twice in her first stints at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014, winning the Women’s Championship Trophy in 2022. In a statement on Saturday, Liverpool confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying, “He’s also a man of truth and warmth, and he remembers that he always worked for Clugk.
He left Liverpool last summer and paid tribute to many former players including Williams, who aired on Sunday afternoons to the BBC. “It’s a tough day,” she began.
read more: Matt Beard, a former female Liverpool boss, passes away at the age of 47.read more: The championship game was abandoned just minutes before full time when the players left the pitch
“I tried to talk a bit about him a little earlier about him. That’s difficult. Steph (Houghton) said there, he means so much to us all. He’s going to be overlooked.”
At this moment, Horton and presenter Alex Scott stopped to provide Williams’ comfort. “Matt was the leader, he was the leader, he was the manager. His love for the game will leave a lasting impact on the game,” Scott said.
“Everyone at the BBC sends his deepest sympathy to Matt’s family, friends and his loved ones and everyone in the football community during this difficult time,” Beard’s wife Deb wrote on social media:
“He is a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing and caring man loved by anyone who had the pleasure of seeing him.
“All our family members kindly seek time to grieve in peace in the event of his loss. We will love you forever, you are an absolute legend.”
The heart-warming news has completely devastated the soccer community. The women’s Super League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa was scheduled to take place on Sunday but has been postponed.
“Everyone at WSL Football will spread his deepest sympathy to Matt Beard’s family, friends and loved ones following the news of his passing,” the league stated in their own statement. “Matt plays the role of instruments in the development of women’s football and is overlooked by everyone involved in the game.
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