'This is for Beardy': Burnley Women dedicate promotion to former boss Matt Beard
Burnley Women have dedicated their emotional promotion to their former boss Matt Beard.
The club’s former coach tragically passed away in September after taking his own life, just a month after resigning from his role.
Lou Roberts took over on an interim basis and guided the Clarets to much of their success, only to depart herself in February.
Ex-Claret Ross Wallace helped get the club over the line, culminating in today’s final day 3-0 win over Stoke City which seals the league title.
It means, after several years of trying, Burnley will finally line up in WSL2 next season, the second tier of the women’s game, for the first time in the club’s history.
Lola Ogunbote, head of women’s football at Burnley, has paid tribute to the players for the manner in which they’ve dealt with such a turbulent time.
“It's just a culmination of a lot of things going our way and the players executing a plan and dealing with what's been a really challenging season,” she told the Burnley Express.
“What's been great is the fact that this team has shown resilience. They've stuck together through thick and thin and they've done that on the pitch today.
“They've answered everything in the best possible way with their football and how they've played, it's just been an amazing journey.”
The Burnley Express has launched a new WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our Burnley Express WhatsApp channel.
A number of banners were held aloft in the Bob Lord Stand at full time with the words “For You Beardy”.
Millie Ravening, who scored two of Burnley’s three goals this afternoon to make sure of the title, admitted Beard was very much in their thoughts heading into today’s pivotal showdown.
“This means so much and it's for Matt,” she added.
“Matt brought everybody in this club together and every player's here because of Matt, so today means so much for everybody and we're just so happy to get it done and for him.”
Wallace, meanwhile, paid tribute to his players, who have overseen a remarkable campaign which has seen them remain unbeaten and concede just five times.
“It's all about the players,” he said. “As staff, we just try and support them, try and give them the best information tactically so they can go and showcase themselves on the pitch.
“Now it’s all done and that was the message beforehand, just go and do what you’ve been doing all season.
“The game was a bit slow and Stoke tried to slow it down, but it was just a case of getting the job done. It's been an amazing all season.”
Your next Burnley FC read: Key EFL dates for the diary as Burnley's relegation to the Championship is confirmed