The football community is mourning the loss of Matt Beard, a highly respected manager and coach, whose widow has now come forward with troubling allegations about his final days. Debbie Beard claims her husband was "bullied" by Burnley FC Women before his death at age 47 on September 20, 2025.
Beard, a father of two from Hawarden, North Wales, had stepped down as head coach of Burnley FC Women just a month prior. His passing at the Countess of Chester Hospital has left many in the sport heartbroken, especially those who remember his glory days leading Liverpool Women to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.
At an inquest held at Ruthin County Hall, the family's concerns took center stage. Beard's wife, Debbie, told the hearing that her husband's mental health took a sharp downturn after his time at Burnley. "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," she said.
Senior coroner John Gittins has since announced he will invite Burnley FC to become an interested person in the proceedings, noting that anyone who may have "by act or omission" caused or contributed to a death is entitled to that status. The coroner is also seeking further evidence from football agent Curtis Dawes and the League Managers Association (LMA), both of whom Beard reportedly consulted about his treatment at the club.
Adding to the family's distress, Beard's stepson Scott raised concerns about social media posts he described as "quite damaging" to the manager's reputation during that difficult period.
Beard's career was nothing short of remarkable. Beyond his WSL triumphs with Liverpool, he managed women's teams at Millwall, Chelsea, and West Ham, earning widespread admiration for his tactical acumen and dedication to the women's game. His funeral at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral drew around 600 mourners, including Liverpool legend Ian Rush and former England internationals Casey Stoney, Lianne Sanderson, and Fara Williams—a testament to the impact he had on and off the pitch.
This tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the pressures that can weigh on those in the beautiful game. If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available from the Samaritans 24/7.