Former West Ham United players have paid tribute to our former women's team manager Matt Beard, who sadly passed away over the weekend.
It was in June 2018 when Beard first stepped through the doors of Rush Green training ground ahead of our first-ever season as a professional outfit in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
He arrived to east London with WSL success in abundance, having won back-to-back top-flight titles with Liverpool, while he also played influential roles at Millwall Lionesses and Chelsea Ladies in the pre-WSL era.
Taking charge of a new squad, Beard's Hammers immediately showed they could compete amongst the country’s best in their first matches in the WSL, securing a point at home to Reading on the opening day before being edged out narrowly 4-3 away at Arsenal, who went onto win the title that season.
Indeed, his team’s first-ever WSL victory arrived on 30 September 2018, with Leanne Kiernan and Rosie Kmita scoring in a 2-1 win against Yeovil Town at Rush Green Stadium. The Hammers put five unanswered goals past Yeovil in the return fixture and also defeated Everton, Bristol City, Reading and Brighton & Hove Albion on our way to a comfortable seventh-place finish.
But his team achieved even greater things in the Women's FA Cup...
Beard allowed every West Ham fan to dream, taking us all the way to the final at Wembley in May 2019, having beaten Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Aston Villa and Reading - in a dramatic penalty-shootout - on the road to the showpiece.
In the 2019/20 season, which was curtailed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hammers finished eighth in the standings during a campaign in which Beard oversaw our first-ever WSL victory over Manchester United.
When Beard departed the Club in November 2020, he said in a statement: “I have every faith that the foundations we have laid over the last two-and-a-half years will help the Club push even further, both on and off the pitch, in the seasons to come.” And he was correct.
Beard also spent three seasons at Chelsea, between 2009 and 2012, and guided them to their first-ever Women's FA Cup final in his final season in charge. He also took charge of Millwall Lionesses, Boston Breakers, Bristol City and Burnley during his managerial career.
Whilst he enjoyed so much success on the pitch, Beard was known for his infectious, kind-hearted and caring personality off it, and was a pioneer of the women’s game.
And there is no surprise that there has been an outpouring of love and affection from the footballing world, in tribute to Matt Beard and his family.
Gilly Flaherty
Matt Beard's West Ham United captain, who led the Hammers to the 2019 Women's FA Cup final and played under Matt Beard at both West Ham United and Liverpool
"Absolutely devastated and lost for words at the news of losing Beardy. A man I thought so highly of, who in all honesty I would've followed around the world to play for. The best manager and friend I could've asked to have in my life. Rest easy Beardy and give my dad a big squeeze please. Love you gaffer xx."
Kate Longhurst
West Ham United's record WSL appearance maker and 2019 Women's FA Cup finalist and who played under Matt Beard at both West Ham United and Liverpool
"I don’t think I’ll ever find the right words. A man who I will forever owe so much to. I’m heartbroken. My deepest thoughts are with Debbie, Harry, Ellie and the rest of the people lucky enough to know him. Manager, friend, family."
Grace Fisk
Defender who played under Matt Beard at both West Ham United and Liverpool
“Beardy, what can I even say? The most caring, supporting and lovable man, and I feel so lucky to have known you for so many years. I can’t even express the influence you have had on my life. You were so much more than just a football manager to me. So many stories and laughs we had along the way. And boy did we laugh. All my love to Debbie, Harry, Ellie and family. You will be missed more than you know. Love you gaffa.”
Mackenzie Arnold
Australia international goalkeeper who was signed for West Ham United by Matt Beard
“Beardy played a massive role in my career. Back in 2020, it was COVID and I didn’t really have many teams to go for. He pulled me in, gave me a chance and brought me over to England. It ended up being my home for the last four years at West Ham. I owe so much to him and what he did for women’s football won’t be forgotten. He’s a very special person for sure.”
Alisha Lehmann
Switzerland international forward who was signed for West Ham United by Matt Beard and appeared in the 2019 Women's FA Cup final
“I can’t find the right words for how much this has hurt me. Matt Beard was the first person that believed in me and was always there for me my whole career. I am who I am as a player and a person because of him. My heart is hurting and the news is devastating. I remember the first time we met. I couldn’t speak English, and we used Google translate, and we laughed.
“The memories we shared on and off the pitch, I will never forget. He was the one that taught me all my skills and took care of me whenever I needed it. I will never forget you Matt. You will always live with me in my heart. Thank you for everything, and prayers to your wife and kids.”
Kenza Dali
France international midfielder who was signed for West Ham United by Matt Beard
“My English Dad, as I like to call you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. I’m heartbroken and devastated. You were so special. The hugs, the laughter… I will miss you terribly and every time I step onto a pitch, you will be with me. My sincere thoughts go out to Debbie, Harry, Ellie and Scott. I love you forever.”
Julia Simic
Germany international midfielder who was part of Matt Beard's first-ever West Ham United squad
“Dear Matt, I am devastated about hearing the news. Your loss is breaking many hearts in football, including mine. You had the gift to create big bonds between a bunch of players coming from all over the world and made us feel like family, always putting the human being before the footballer.
“As soon as I saw your cheeky, smiley face in the morning walking into the training ground, I just felt the privilege to be your player. You were one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to become a coach, because you proved on a daily basis that with love and togetherness, you can achieve anything. Thinking of you puts a smile on my face and I will always remember you in the best way possible. Thank you gaffer for teaching us so much more than football! You’ll be missed, mate!!!”
Leanne Kiernan
Republic of Ireland international striker who played under Matt Beard at both West Ham United and Liverpool
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Rest in peace Beardy.”
Cho So-hyun
South Korea international midfielder who was part of Matt Beard's starting XI in the 2019 Women's FA Cup
“Dear Beardy, I can’t hide my emotion. I'm still heartbroken. I'll never forget how grateful I am to you. You'll always be in my heart, my first boss, forever. Rest in peace. Miss you, Beardy."
Claire Rafferty
England international defender who was part of Matt Beard's starting XI in the 2019 Women's FA Cup
“I can’t believe you’re gone. I’m in complete shock. You had the most genuine soul and kindest heart. Life won’t be the same without you. I’ll miss you so much my friend. All my love to Deb, the kids and your family. Thinking of you all.”
Laura Vetterlein
German defender who was signed for West Ham United by Matt Beard
“The world has lost an incredible person, and the pain is indescribable. I wish you could see and hear how many players, coaches and other companions you have influenced in such a positive way at different stages of their lives.
“My gratitude for everything you gave me during our short time together at West Ham, my first experience abroad as a footballer, is infinite. You will always remain a role model for how you stayed true to your authentic self, incredibly humorous and warm hearted in such a high-pressure environment.
“My thoughts are with your family, friends and companions, who deserve all the support in the world during this time of grief. Thank you for everything, Beardy. Rest easy Gaffer.”
