'Let Matt's passing be a lesson to us all'

BROTHER'S MOVING WORDS AS HUNDREDS ATTEND CATHEDRAL FUNERAL FOR FORMER REDS WOMEN'S MANAGER MATT BEARD

- By ELEANOR BARLOW & RYAN PATON

THE brother of former Liverpool women's football manager Matt Beard has called for his death to act as a lesson to "be more thoughtful" as hundreds gathered for his funeral yesterday.

The 47-year-old coach, who died last month, was remembered at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral service, which was attended by around 600 people.

The congregation included former Liverpool players Ian Rush and Chris Kirkland, former England internationals Casey Stoney, Lianne Sanderson and Fara Williams, Arsenal players Olivia Smith and Taylor Hinds and Liverpool Women's manager Gareth Taylor.

Players lined the central aisle of the church and many wiped tears from their eyes as Mr Beard's coffin, adorned with two Liverpool scarves, was carried in.

In a eulogy, Mr Beard's brother Mark Beard said: "Please, please, please let Matt's passing be a lesson to us all. We're all human, so be more thoughtful."

He added: "He didn't deserve to feel like he did."

He said his brother had "never looked back" after moving to coach the women's game and was one of the "most inspirational managers".

He said: "He made everyone he came across a better person."