Beard began his managerial career with Millwall in 2008 before going on to manage Chelsea, Liverpool, West Ham United and Burnley. In a statement, Millwall said: "Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard. In a statement the club said: "Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Matt Beard. West Ham United Women said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news. The Women’s Super League described Beard as “an instrumental figure in the growth of women’s football.”