Former Liverpool and Burnley manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47.

Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.

He returned for a second spell at the club in 2021 but was sacked in February this year.

In a statement, Liverpool paid tribute to “an extremely committed and successful manager”.

They added: “He was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club. Rest in peace, Matt.”

Following his reappointment in 2021, Beard led the Reds to promotion back to the WSL and helped them to a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.

Beard also managed Liverpool during their first ever Champions League campaign.

He was appointed Burnley manager in June but was sacked after just two months in charge.

Beard had previous spells at National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers and West Ham, as well as an interim period in charge of Bristol City.