Aston Villa and West Brom postpone matches following sad death
Aston Villa women and West Bromwich Albion women have both postponed their Sunday matches following the tragic passing Matt Beard.
The former Liverpool women's manager died on Saturday aged 47 and the football community has been mourning his loss.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014 and returned to the club for a second spell in 2021 before being sacked in February this year.
Villa were due to play Liverpool but the two clubs have agreed to postpone the fixture following Beard's sad death.
A statement from Villa read: "Following the tragic death of former Liverpool Women head coach Matt Beard last night, Liverpool’s players were rightly offered the opportunity to postpone today’s Barclays WSL fixture.
"We apologise to fans for the late notice and inevitable inconvenience but would ask for understanding at this sad time.
"The club will be in touch regarding the rearranged fixture in due course.
"Meanwhile our thoughts and condolences remain with Matt’s family."
Albion were due to play Burnley, but they have also agreed to postpone the match.
Their club statement read: "Albion Women's FA WNL Northern Premier Division fixture against Burnley, which was scheduled to take place today, has been postponed.
"The postponement follows the news of Matt Beard's sad passing at the age of 47.
"Everyone at West Bromwich Albion Football Club sends their condolences to Matt’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.
"Further details regarding the fixture's rearrangement will be confirmed in due course."
