The brother of former Liverpool Women's manager Matt Beard has disclosed the heartbreaking final text message he received before his sibling was found dead last September. Beard, aged 47, died in hospital from a brain injury after being discovered hanged at his Flintshire home. His death sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly the women's game.
Final Message
Speaking to the BBC, Matt's brother Mark revealed the last text his brother sent him: 'I just wish he knew how much he was loved in those final moments, because he probably felt the world was against him, but it wasn't.' He added: 'He sent me a text that night saying: "I love you more than you'll ever know, mate." I sent one back saying: "I love you more-r." I didn't leave his side for the five days he was in the hospital. I was sat up all night playing Millwall songs to him. Thankfully all the family had a chance to say goodbye.'
Inquest Delayed
At a pre-inquest review hearing, his widow Debbie alleged that Beard had been 'bullied' by Burnley, leading to a delay in the inquest. The family stated that Beard's departure from Burnley 'was the catalyst for a decline in his mental health.' Debbie said: 'Matt left Burnley not to go to another job, he left Burnley because he wasn't happy there. Basically, they didn't allow him to move on. I feel like they bullied him, to be honest.' Senior coroner John Gittins said he would invite Burnley FC to become an interested person in the proceedings.
Family's Grief
Beard is survived by Debbie, son Harry, daughter Ellie, and stepson Scott. Debbie described the day as normal, with Matt taking the dog for a walk. She said: 'We would never have seen that coming - not in a million years. I just wish he had said "I'm struggling."' Beard recorded a video shortly before his death and wanted it to be heard in court. Debbie added: 'Matt was the type of person who would say "yeah I'm fine" - he wouldn't admit it to anyone. But you could see it in his manner at home. It's quite clear in the video Matt left, naming [Burnley chairman] Alan Pace as the instigator who put a stop to him talking to Leicester City. Matt left that video for a reason. He wanted that to be found and he wanted his voice heard.'
Beard resigned from the Burnley job after the Clarets refused an offer from Leicester to buy out his contract before he was placed on gardening leave for three months, according to the BBC. 'He wasn't allowed to say goodbye to his players or tell them why he left,' Debbie said. 'That had a huge impact on him. He was finding it hard, [worrying about] how he would provide for the family. I was working three jobs just to get us through. I think he felt like a bit of a failure.' Burnley have not commented on the nature of Beard's departure from the WSL club.
Career Highlights
Beard previously managed Millwall, Chelsea and West Ham's women's teams, and saw success with Liverpool, where he won back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. He will be inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame and also took charge of Millwall, Chelsea and Boston Breakers in the USA, as well as West Ham, who he led to the 2019 FA Cup final.
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