The widow of former Liverpool women's manager Matt Beard has told a pre-inquest review that she felt he was "bullied" by Burnley FC prior to his death. Matt Beard, aged 47, died on September 20 last year after resigning from his role as head coach of Burnley FC Women in August, a hearing was informed on Thursday.
Beard previously managed the women's teams at Millwall, Chelsea, and West Ham, and notably led Liverpool Women to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. The father of two, who resided in Hawarden, Deeside, North Wales, passed away at the Countess of Chester Hospital due to a hypoxic brain injury resulting from suspension by ligature, the hearing heard.
The review, held at Ruthin County Hall, revealed that Beard's family had concerns regarding his time at Burnley FC, which he joined after leaving Liverpool in February 2025. The family believed that leaving Burnley "was the catalyst for a decline in his mental health," the hearing was told.
Widow's Account
His wife, Debbie Beard, stated: "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 announced he would invite Burnley FC to become an interested person in the proceedings, noting that anyone who may have caused or contributed to a death by act or omission is entitled to interested person status.
Further Enquiries
The coroner indicated he would seek additional evidence from football agent Curtis Dawes and the League Managers Association (LMA), whom Beard reportedly consulted due to concerns about his treatment at Burnley. Beard's stepson, Scott Beard, also expressed concerns about the timing of social media posts that were "quite damaging" to the manager. The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
Beard's funeral, held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, was attended by approximately 600 people, including former Liverpool player Ian Rush and former England internationals Casey Stoney, Lianne Sanderson, and Fara Williams.
A spokesperson for Burnley FC said: "Burnley FC is aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time." For emotional support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline can be reached at 116 123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
