Beard eyes consistency after scooping monthly award

Matt Beard is looking forward to helping Liverpool become more consistent in the second half of the season after scooping the Women's Super League Manager of the Month award for December. 

The Reds return to action at Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday before visiting WSL title contenders Manchester City seven days later. 

And Beard, 46, wants his side to continue the momentum built last month, which saw them pick up a draw and two wins in all competitons. 

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, he said: "I think the way we finished the month was fantastic. 

"A draw at home against Bristol City, followed with a dominant victory over Everton in the Conti Cup and the icing on the cake was the win at Leigh Sports Village over Manchester United.

"The biggest thing for us now is consistency. We've had a lot of performances where we've done really well and some performances where it's not been consistent for 90 minutes. 

"Though I do think the international programme had a big impact on that — not just for us but other sides as well. 

"Now we want to start 2024 well beginning with the FA Cup, a competition we'd love the opportunity to progress in, and then we've got a tough month with the league fixtures."

Thanking the fans who voted for him to win the WSL award, Beard also tipped his hat to Liverpool's backroom staff. 

He added: "I know it's a cliche but you can't do the work without your team and I'm blessed with the one I've got. 

"Not only are they great people but they're specialists in their own area and they are the driving force behind what we do."