Everton Women will honour the legacy of former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard during this weekend's Merseyside derby. Boss Scott Phelan led the tributes to Beard, who passed away last year aged 47, ahead of the clash at Anfield on Sunday, 27 September.
Phelan reflected on Beard's profound impact on the women's game. "I think he did a massive amount for women's football," the Everton manager said. He added that Beard was a universally respected figure who helped raise standards across the sport.
Beard's Coaching Journey
Matt Beard began his coaching career with Millwall Lionesses in 2008 before managing Chelsea. He is best known for his successful spell in charge of Liverpool Women from 2012 to 2015, where he was named FA Women's Super League Manager of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. After a stint with the Boston Breakers, he returned to Liverpool in 2021 and guided them to the FA Women’s Championship title that same year.
Everton's Current Form and Derby Build-up
Everton Women enter the derby in strong form, sitting fifth in the Women's Super League with six points from three games. They are two places and two points above their city rivals, who currently occupy seventh. The Toffees are on a three-game winning streak, most recently securing a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City last Wednesday.
The first Merseyside derby of the WSL season kicks off at Anfield at 2pm BST on Sunday, with Everton looking to extend their positive run.
Read the full report at Royal Blue Mersey
