Matt Beard’s family is left “blown away” by the support shown in the wake of the tragic death of a former Liverpool female manager over the weekend
Jacqui Oatley was “blown away” by the overwhelming support shown to Matt Beard’s family after his tragic death over the weekend after Jacqui Oatley founded the JustGiving page to help his loved ones. The death of the former Liverpool female manager, just 47, was confirmed on Saturday evening.
In a club statement, the Reds said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by his sudden death. Beard’s death sparked a widespread message of respect and support from the entire football community after the loss of the much-loved pioneer of women’s soccer.
After his death, Autry, a soccer commentator and sports presenter, founded Just Giving Page to support Heard’s wife, Debbie and family with immediate funerals and living expenses.
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“On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, great soccer manager Matt Beard suddenly lost his life,” Autry wrote of JustGiving.
“While Matt’s wife, Debbie and her children, Harry and Ellie, were trying to navigate the shock of this tragic tragedy, we wanted to help Debbie with the immediate stress of funeral costs and living expenses.
“All donations go directly to Matt’s family and help cover essential costs during this incredibly difficult time. We appreciate your support.”
She originally established a £5,000 target, but that has already been exceeded within 24 hours. The page, which received 536 donations at the time of writing, has so far raised an astounding £31,522.
Joined on Twitter, Oatley shared it on X on Monday. “This is a very painful time for everyone who knew Matt Beard. There’s a way for her and her kids to support Matt’s wife Debbie in an attempt to deal with the sudden loss of this lovely man, such as when friends and supporters want to ease funeral costs and more.”
Within hours, thousands of pounds have been donated and “splitting in the way the women’s soccer community is being blown away in the way that it wraps its arms around Matt Beard’s widow Debbie, children Harry, Ellie and all the families.
Previously, Autry had sincerely respect for the former Liverpool manager on his social media page. “The news of Matt Beard’s sudden death was unsatisfied,” she wrote. “It’s shocking and devastating.
“Matt was a very nice guy. I first met him in the early 2000s when I was a real estate agent at Ealing.
“He showed me around the house – I was at the BBC, which covered men/women’s soccer at the time. He became the female manager of Chelsea and won consecutive WSL titles at Liverpool.
“Matt saw England work pass him multiple times, and in my humble opinion, he never received the credit he deserved because he wasn’t working on a big budget.
“Think about a lot of love with you. Rip the mat, we will not forget you.”
In a subsequent post, she wrote:
“He was also a very important figure in the evolution of women’s matches in the UK, and there is a huge wave of sadness that washes our people who are lucky enough to know him.
“In the end, we’ll see something positive coming out of this tragedy. For now, we’re all thinking about the amazing person who’s left the touchline forever.
Beard has two independent spells that manage women at Liverpool FC, leading the Reds to back-to-back women’s super league crowns in 2013 and 2014.
He left the club in February, and his final role was manager of Burnley Women.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123 and email jo@samaritans.org, visit the Samaritans branch directly, or visit the Samaritans website.
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