Matt Beard: Former Liverpool women’s manager’s funeral attracts hundreds of well-wishers

There were several former Liverpool players from Beard’s title-winning sides, including Natasha Dowie and Fara Williams. Ian Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer, was also present along with ex-Reds and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Dowie said he was like a father figure to her. She told BBC Sport: “He had a cheeky smile, someone that made you laugh, a twinkle in his eyes, an ‘alright darling’, a big hug which made you feel like a million dollars.

“We’ll make sure as a family, his family are looked after and he won’t be forgotten, absolutely won’t be forgotten.”

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner, Canada boss and ex-Liverpool player Casey Stoney and former England forward Lianne Sanderson were among those in attendance.

Stoney told BBC Sport: “You can see from the turnout and the amount of people that have travelled far and wide to come and pay their respects and show their love to a wonderful man [how respected he was]. He was kind, funny, caring, cheeky.”

Also present were Arsenal’s former Liverpool players Olivia Smith – women’s football’s first £1m player – and Taylor Hinds, who played for the Gunners in Portugal on Thursday against Benfica in the Champions League.

Many at the service wore red after Beard’s family invited fans to attend wearing football shirts or casual clothes.

Fans raised scarves and joined in as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Liverpool’s club anthem, was sung by Beard’s niece Lucy at the end of an emotional service, which was attended by around 600 people.