Sport Science pays tribute to Matt Beard

Tragic football manager Matt Beard had "the biggest heart" and will be "sorely missed" says a sport psychologist who worked alongside the influential coach who has died suddenly aged 47.

Dr Fran Champ, of LJMU's world-class School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, who was seconded by Matt to Liverpool Football Club, said: "He had the biggest heart, the warmest smile, and had the ability to capture an audience the second he entered a room.

"We made so many great memories together on the footballing field, but he was more than a colleague, he was a good friend and in his words “we will always be family”. He will be sorely missed."

The whole of LJMU's sport science team said they were "truly saddened" by the loss of the LFC Women's manager, who won back-to-back Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. Academic colleagues worked with Matt throughout his tenure at LFC and he paved the way for placements at the club in psychology that continue today.

In a statement, they said: "Matt was hugely influential within women’s football with numerous accolades in the UK and further afield. He won the WSL as a manager and the Championship with LFC. Dr Francesca Champ ⁠worked alongside him for several seasons and he was a huge believer of providing LJMU students with opportunities including placements across Levels 6-8 in sport psychology.

"As a kind hearted gesture he provided placement students with tickets to attend The Championship trophy presentation back in 2022."

Tributes have poured in for the former Millwall and Burnley boss - from Farah Williams, Alex Scott and others - and the Reds' WSL game against Aston Villa at the weekend was postponed out of respect.

The university's thoughts and condolences are with his wife Debbie and two children Harry and Ellie.