Former Liverpool women's team manager Matt Beard has died aged 47, the club have announced.
Beard had two spells as manager of Liverpool and most recently left the Women's Super League club in February this year.
Liverpool issued a statement on Saturday evening, writing: "Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt's family and friends at this devastating time.
"Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, 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."
Beard managed Liverpool from 2012-2015, winning the WSL in 2013 and 2014 and returning to the club from 2021-2025, earning promotion back to the WSL in 2021.
He was appointed Burnley boss in June but resigned in August.
Burnley said in a statement on the club website: "It is with sadness that Burnley can confirm Matt Beard has passed away, at the age of 47.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt's family and friends."
Beard also had spells with Chelsea (2009-12), West Ham (2018-20), Millwall (2008-09), Bristol City (2012, interim) and the Boston Breakers (2016-17) in the NWSL.
Liverpool's WSL rivals Manchester United described Beard as a "giant" of the women's game, posting on X: "Matt was a fierce opponent of ours; a giant of women's football. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
A statement on the Women's Super League X account said: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing.
"Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.
"Rest in peace, Matt."
The Football Association also paid tribute to a "key figure" in women's football.
"We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard," a post on the official FA X account said.
"Matt was a key figure in growing the women's game and will be missed by all. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute on X, stating: "Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard.
"We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time."
Information from PA was used in this report.