Matt Beard’s family have had an overwhelming response to their JustGiving page, which was set up to support the family in the wake of his sudden death at the age of 47
Jacqui Oatley has expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support shown to the family of Matt Beard, following his sudden death.
The former Liverpool Women’s manager tragically passed away at the tender age of 47, a loss confirmed on Saturday evening. Liverpool FC released a statement expressing their deep shock and sorrow over Beard’s unexpected passing.
His passing has elicited a wave of tributes and messages of solidarity from the football world, mourning the loss of a beloved figure in women’s football.
In response to this tragic event, sports presenter and football commentator Oatley set up a JustGiving page to assist Beard’s wife, Debbie, and their family with immediate funeral expenses and living costs.
“On Saturday September 20th 2025, the wonderful and much loved football manager Matt Beard suddenly lost his life,” Oatley penned on the fundraising platform.
“While Matt’s wife Debbie and children, Harry and Ellie, attempt to navigate the shock of this heartbreaking tragedy, we wanted to help Debbie with the immediate stress of funeral fees and the cost of living.”, reports the Mirror.
“All donations will go directly to Matt’s family, helping them to cover essential costs during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your support.”
She initially set a target of £5,000, but that figure has already been smashed in under 24 hours. With 536 donations received at the time of writing, the page has pulled in an astonishing £31,522 in contributions so far.
Posting on X on Monday, Oatley wrote: “This is such a painful time for everyone who knew Matt Beard. If friends or supporters wish to ease the burden of funeral costs, etc, here’s a way to support Matt’s wife Debbie as she and the kids attempt to process the sudden loss of this lovely man.”
Within hours, thousands of pounds poured in, prompting her to share another update: “Blown away by the way the women’s football community is wrapping its arms around Matt Beard’s widow Debbie, kids Harry, Ellie and all the family.
“The kind words alongside the donations mean so much to them right now”. Earlier, Oatley had penned a touching tribute to the former Liverpool boss on her social media account.
“Stunned and heartbroken by the news of Matt Beard’s sudden death,” she posted. It’s shocking and devastating. Matt was such a lovely man. I first met him when he was an estate agent in Ealing in the early 2000s, while he was assistant coach to Keith Boanas at Charlton Athletic Women.
“He showed me round a house – I was at the BBC covering men’s/women’s football at the time. He went on to become Chelsea Women manager, won back to back WSL titles at Liverpool.
“He was always so friendly and never too tired or busy to help with team news, formations, etc on the eve of big games. Matt saw the England job pass him by multiple times.
“Never received the credit he deserved, in my humble opinion, as he didn’t work with big budgets. But regardless, he never changed from being the kind, warm, likeable soul he always was. So sorry for Deb, Harry, Ellie and Scott.
“Thinking of you all and lots of love. RIP Matt, we won’t forget you.”
In a follow-up message, she wrote: “You may have worked out by now, after seeing the heartfelt tributes from his former players, fellow managers, coaches and journalists, that Matt Beard was a very special person.
“He was also a hugely significant figure in the evolution of the women’s game in England. There’s an enormous wave of grief washing over those of us lucky enough to have known him.
“In time, we’ll make sure something positive comes out of this tragedy. For now, we’re all thinking about the wonderful person who’s left the touchline forever – and sending all the love in the world to the family members Matt adored so much”.
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