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Liverpool women's game cancelled after former coach's sudden death

Matt Beard, former manager of Liverpool, looks on
Matt Beard, former manager of Liverpool, looks onMatt McNulty / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP

Liverpool postponed Sunday's Women's Super League (WSL) fixture against Aston Villa following the "sudden and tragic" death of former manager Matt Beard.

Beard, 47, had two spells in charge of Liverpool and left the club just seven months ago.

During his first stint in charge, Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with the Reds in 2013 and 2014.

After spells with the Boston Breakers in the US, West Ham and Bristol City, he returned to Merseyside in 2021 and guided Liverpool back to the top flight in his first season in charge.

Beard was announced as Burnley boss in June but resigned in August.

"Following the sudden and tragic news of the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, the match at Villa Park - scheduled for 12pm BST - will not take place," Liverpool said in a statement.