New inductees to the Hall of Fame

Kerys Harrop, Casey Stoney and Matt Beard – three giants of the game – are the latest names added to the BWSL Hall of Fame

Word credit: Isabella Walling

**Kerys Harrop

**

Kerys Harrop’s induction into the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame is a recognition of her role as a leading figure in the league’s evolution. Across a career spanning more than two decades, Harrop built a reputation as one of England’s strongest defenders, admired for her leadership, dedication and determination to fight for the clubs she represented.

Growing up in Birmingham, Harrop spent her burgeoning career at her hometown club Birmingham City, progressing through the academy before claiming the captain’s armband and becoming one of the team’s most influential players. After the official launch of the BWSL in 2011, Harrop was already a key cog in the City machine, and she helped establish the Blues as one of the country’s strongest sides during the league’s early years.

A smart defender, Harrop’s flexibility allowed her to play both as a centre-back and full-back during the 2011-12 season, in which Birmingham finished runners up in the BWSL. One of her biggest achievements came in 2012, when the Blues of Birmingham beat the Chelsea Blues to win the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Harrop also helped her side reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2014, an exceptional achievement for an English club at the time.

Harrop’s influence stretched beyond the trophies, appearances and statistics. During periods of financial uncertainty and development, she became the heartbeat of Birmingham City, continuing to set standards for younger players and displaying unwavering loyalty to her hometown team in an era of tremendous change within the women’s game. The FA once described her as a player who “embodies everything it means to be a Birmingham City player”, while Harrop herself loyally stated: “I’ll always be a blue, my heart is blue”.

In 2020, Harrop made the difficult decision to end her 20-year spell at Birmingham to join Tottenham Hotspur. Even though she was in the latter stages of her career, Harrop’s leadership and football IQ proved invaluable to Spurs who continued to establish themselves in the BWSL. By 2023, Harrop retired having made 183 BWSL appearances, claiming the record for the most appearances in the competition’s history – a nod to her talent and longevity.

Harrop represents a generation of players who lay the foundations for the women’s game in England. Through her resilience, determination and passion, Harrop helped build the BWSL into an entertaining and competitive league in women’s football.

After her Hall of Fame announcement, she described the honour as a “real privilege” and a “brilliant celebration of my career at Birmingham and Tottenham”. For football fans, especially Blues supporters, Kerys Harrop will not only be a legend of the BWSL era, but a part of Birmingham City’s identity.

**Casey Stoney

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Casey Stoney’s induction into the BWSL is not only a reflection of her career on the pitch, but her contribution to shape the modern women’s game through management too. A commanding defender, an inspirational captain and motivational manager, Stoney had already established herself as one of the country’s best players by the time the BWSL was launched in 2011. Her impact during the league’s foundational years further solidified her status as a legend.

Growing up in Essex, Stoney established a career based on professionalism, dedication and leadership. She enjoyed successful stints at Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Lincoln ladies, winning a string of major domestic honours while with the Gunners and Addicks.

In the BWSL’s first season, Stoney captained Chelsea and rapidly cemented herself as one of the league’s standout players. Envied for her composure on the ball, as well as her organisation and fiery nature, she brought invaluable experience to a league taking its first steps into a professional era. In 2014, Stoney joined Arsenal, and she helped the Gunners win both the FA Cup and League Cup before her retirement in 2018.

Stoney’s contribution to international football cannot be ignored. Regarded as one of England’s greatest-ever defenders, Stoney racked up an impressive 130 appearances for the Lionesses, and she appeared at both the UEFA Women’s European Championship and FIFA Women’s World Cup, even wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions. FA Chairman Greg Clarke stated, “when it comes to acknowledging the true greats of English football, Casey Stoney has to be ranked among them”.

Although Stoney’s impact on women’s football on the pitch is undeniable, her work extends far beyond her playing days. Shortly after retiring, Stoney became the first head coach of Manchester United following the club’s reformation in 2018. Under her leadership, United won promotion into the BWSL at their first attempt and continued to grow into one of the league’s most competitive sides. Stoney then moved to the NWSL with San Diego Wave, where she lead the team to immediate success.

Stoney has also been an important advocate for inclusivity within football. As an openly gay footballer, Stoney has discussed her experiences within the women’s game and advocated for greater opportunities within women’s sport. Her activism has positively impacted the game and has enabled the next generation of players to follow in her footsteps.

Whether a player, captain, manager or pioneer, Casey Stoney has continually pushed for the growth of the women’s game on and off the field.

**Matt Beard

**

Matt Beard’s induction into the BWSL Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to one of the most respected figures in the history of the women’s game in England.

During almost two decades in management, Beard helped shape the growth of the BWSL, building powerhouse teams, nurturing young players and earning a reputation as a respected coach.

Following his passing last September at the age of 47, his induction is the celebration of a figure whose impact on the game surpassed the trophies he won.

Joining Chelsea in 2009, he guided the Blues into the newly formed BWSL, managing the club in the league’s first fixture in 2011. He helped lay the foundations that would prove vital as the club became a dominant force.

Yet it was at Liverpool where Beard truly cemented his legacy. Appointed Reds manager in 2012, Beard transformed the Merseysiders into the strongest side in the country, winning back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. Those titles remain the best achievements in Liverpool Women’s history, and established Beard as one of the best coaches in the game. His work earned him the BWSL Manager of the Season award in 2013.

After a trip to the United States and a spell with Boston Breakers, Beard returned to England as manager of West Ham United and ttook them to the Women’s FA Cup Final in 2019.

In his absence, Liverpool struggled, and Beard returned in 2021 for a second spell at the club. He made an enormous impact, helping the club secure promotion back to the BWSL after their relegation the season prior. Under his leadership, Liverpool re-established themselves as a competitive top-flight side, finishing an impressive fourth in 2024, when Beard was again named BWSL Manager of the Season.

Beard’s impact on the women’s game was about more than just results. He was regarded as a genuine man-manager who was deeply respected by both players and staff. Liverpool captain Grace Fisk stated: “His character and warmth was the best part of who he was, and you knew when you signed for him he was always going to look after you”. Tributes and dedications poured in from across the football community after his passing, further emphasising his impact on the women’s game.

From his work at Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool, Beard consistently drove the game forward and empowered his players. Very few coaches have left such a significant mark on the BWSL, Beard’s legacy will continue through the clubs, players and fans whose lives he impacted throughout his incredible career.