Liverpool Football Club is once again suffering the sudden and tragic loss of our own, and once again well before their time. The former Liverpool Women’s manager passed away late last night, and the club has officially postponed the planned match against Aston Villa today.

In an official statement, the club wrote:

Following the sudden and tragic news of the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, the match at Villa Park – scheduled for 12pm BST – will not take place.

Details of a rearrangement will be confirmed in due course.

This decision seems obvious, but still good to see that common sense prevailed. Of course Beard was let go mid-season by The Reds, so many of the current squad will have played for him as manager, and will no doubt be shocked and grieving his loss.

If the loss of Diogo Jota is any example, the club will be committed to treating this with as much tact and care as possible.

Of course, those of us at The Liverpool Offside can only offer our deepest condolences to Beard’s friends and family.