Liverpool Women have confirmed the departure of manager Matt Beard.
Beard delivered back-to-back WSL titles in his first spell between 2012 and 2015 before guiding the club to top-flight promotion following his return in May 2021.
But the 47-year-old’s second stint has not delivered the progress that the Reds had hoped with seventh and fourth-place finishes in their first two seasons back.
Amid a run of four wins in their opening 14 games this season, Anfield chiefs made the decision to part with Beard on Thursday after nearly four years back at the helm.
“We have all experienced some fantastic moments with Matt as manager of LFC Women and we express our gratitude for his significant contribution,” read a club statement.
“Our priority was to return this team to where it belongs and we collectively achieved that in 2022 by winning promotion to the WSL.
“We need to build on that momentum and although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for future success on the pitch.”
Assistant manager Amber Whiteley will take interim charge for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace and potentially the Women’s FA Cup quarter final clash with Arsenal.
“I would like to thank Liverpool and the board for the opportunity to come back and manage at such a wonderful club,” Beard said in a statement via the League Managers’ Association.
“I am proud with what we managed to achieve over the last three-and-a-half years, including promotion back to the WSL. I could not have asked for more from the players and staff, and thank them for all their sacrifice and support.
“To our wonderful fans – what a journey it has been across two spells. We would never have achieved anything without you and I thank you for all your love.
“I will reflect fondly on my time at Liverpool whilst considering my next steps, and look forward to continuing to support Amber and the team from afar for the rest of the season.”