Two-time WSL winner Matt Beard appointed new Burnley manager

Burnley have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool boss Matt Beard as the club's new head coach.
Beard, 47, has been out of management since being dismissed by Women's Super League (WSL) side Liverpool in February.
The move marks a maiden first-team managerial role below the second tier of English football for the two-time WSL winning coach.
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'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,' Beard said.
'I can promise the fan base, the players and the staff that I will work as hard as I can for them, with the aim of fulfilling our objectives.'
After three years in charge at Chelsea, Beard took Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. He then joined the now-dissolved National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side Boston Breakers, followed by West Ham United and an interim spell at Bristol City.
His second period at Liverpool from 2021 to 2025 saw the club return to the WSL and finish fourth in 2023-24. He was dismissed in February with Liverpool seventh in the table with Amber Whiteley, his former assistant, replacing him on an interim basis until the end of the season. Liverpool ended the campaign in seventh.
Beard's appointment comes after Burnley announced their transition to full-time professional status in May, after a fourth-place finish in the National League North, English football's third tier, in 2024-25.
Burnley also expressed interest in taking Blackburn Rovers' spot in the WSL2 — the newly rebranded second tier, formerly the Championship — after their withdrawal. Instead, Sheffield United, who had been set for relegation to the regionalised National League, were allowed to stay in the division.
Beard replaces Rebecca Sawiuk at Burnley, who left by mutual consent, in March.
The club's head of women's Football, Lola Ogunbote added: 'We've been taking great strides forward here at Burnley and Matt's appointment is a further statement of intent, our aims, and our ambition to be a successful football club.
'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.'

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