Former Liverpool boss Matt Beard explains decision to manage third-tier Burnley | OneFootball

Matt Beard has been named manager of Burnley Women. Credit: Burnley YouTube

Matt Beard has explained his decision to take charge of Burnley Women after he was announced as their new manager on Saturday.

The 47-year-old will take charge of the National League North side and aims to get them promoted to the second tier of English football.

His drop to the third tier comes just four months after he was sacked by Women’s Super League side Liverpool.

Beard guided Liverpool to two WSL titles during his first stint at the club over a decade ago. His managerial C.V. also includes stints at WSL sides Chelsea and West Ham.

After being appointed, Beard told the club’s website: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’m so impressed with everybody I’ve met at the Club and the conversations I’ve had, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Why Matt Beard decided to become manager of Burnley Women

Burnley Women becoming a professional club played a “massive part” in the decision by Matt Beard to become their new manager.

It was first reported last week that Beard was set to become the new manager of Burnley.

The Clarets, after missing out on promotion to the WSL2 last season, announced they would turn professional from next season.

This was a move that impressed Beard who was eager to get back into management.

He told the club’s YouTube channel: “It played a massive part. For our aspiration to get promoted, it’s a great platform

“It’s been well documented the support the ownership gives to the women’s team. It’s definitely been the right move for me personally.”

Lola Ogunbote, head of women’s football, told the club’s website that the appointment of Beard was a “statement of intent”.

She said: “He is a coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he has a real vision and passion for growing the women’s game.

“As we make the move to becoming a full-time professional women’s football team this season, it’s an incredibly exciting time for everyone here at the club.”

When are Burnley Women turning professional?

Burnley Women will become a professional football side from the start of the 2025-26 season.

They failed in their bid to take Blackburn’s place in the WSL2, after the latter withdrew from the league.

However, it’s hoped that with Beard’s coaching and turning professional, Burnley will be in a stronger place to get promoted.

The club’s chairman, Alan Pace, said: “This is an exciting next step in the journey of our women’s team.  We’re delighted to be able to make this announcement after so much planning and hard work.

“They have come a long way since being integrated into the Club’s operation in 2021. It’s important that we now provide the resources required to go full-time and give those involved the opportunity to progress to the next level.