Matt Beard's heartbroken wife and kids receive massive financial support as TV star helps out

Jacqui Oatley has been 'blown away' by the overwhelming support shown to the family of Matt Beard following his tragic death over the weekend, after establishing a JustGiving page to help his loved ones. Liverpool Football Club confirmed the death of the former LFC Women's manager on Saturday evening at the age of just 47.

In a club statement, the Reds said they were 'deeply shocked and saddened' by his sudden passing. Beard's death has sparked widespread tributes and messages of support from across the footballing community following the loss of a much-loved pioneer of women's football.

After his passing, football commentator and sports presenter Oatley established a JustGiving page to support Beard's wife, Debbie, and family with immediate funeral and living costs.

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"On Saturday September 20th 2025, the wonderful and much loved football manager Matt Beard suddenly lost his life," Oatley wrote on JustGiving.

"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.

"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 originally established a target of £5,000, but that has already been exceeded in less than 24 hours. Having received 536 donations at the time of writing, the page has attracted an incredible £31,522's worth of donations so far.

Taking to Twitter, Oatley shared on X on Monday: "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 were donated, prompting her to post again saying: "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 paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Liverpool manager on her social media page. "Stunned and heartbroken by the news of Matt Beard's sudden death," she wrote. "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 subsequent post, she penned: "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".

Beard had two separate spells managing Liverpool FC Women, guiding the Reds to consecutive Women's Super League crowns in 2013 and 2014, before his return to the club in 2021 saw him secure the FA Women's Championship title in commanding style and immediate promotion back to the WSL.

He left the club in February, with his final role being manager of Burnley Women.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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