The inquest into the death of former Women’s Super League manager Matt Beard has been postponed after his family raised concerns about alleged bullying linked to his departure from Burnley Women.
Beard, who passed away at age 47 in September 2025 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, was scheduled for a final hearing at Denbighshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday. However, the Beard family objected to the scope of the investigation.
The family told the court that they believe the circumstances surrounding Beard’s exit from his managerial role at Burnley in August 2025—just two months after taking the job—contributed to a decline in his mental health. They requested that a witness from the club provide live testimony at the inquest.
Evidence gathered so far includes statements from Beard’s agent and general practitioner, along with materials provided by Burnley and Leicester City Women, who had expressed interest in hiring Beard both before and after his departure from the Clarets.
The family also wants a video recorded by Beard shortly before his death to be played in court.
“Matt left Burnley of his own accord because he wasn’t happy there,” his wife Debbie told the court. “But they wouldn’t allow him to move on [to another job]. I feel like they bullied him. 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’s stepson Scott Beard told the hearing he was concerned about social media posts by Burnley that he felt were “quite damaging” to the manager.
In response, coroner John Gittins said he would invite Burnley to take an active role in the inquest.
“You feel that when he left Burnley that was the catalyst for a decline in his mental health, and that the decline resulted in the events which led to his death,” Gittins said. “Having listened to members of the family today, bearing in mind the matters you’ve drawn my attention, I will invite Burnley FC to become an interested person for the inquest. Whether they choose to accept that request is a matter for them. You have made very clear to me that in this particular instance you want that in the public domain. That video is the best evidence I may have of an intention to harm himself.”
The coroner also said he will seek additional evidence from the League Managers Association (LMA), as Beard reportedly consulted them about his treatment at Burnley. The inquest has been postponed indefinitely while further evidence is gathered.
Burnley stated they are “aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time.”
Beard, described as one of the most popular coaches in women’s football, managed seven clubs and was voted WSL Manager of the Season twice. His funeral at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral drew hundreds of mourners, including players and managers from the women’s game and beyond. In the months before his death, Beard had been out of work, placed on gardening leave by Burnley after his resignation.
Following news of his death, an outpouring of support came from within the football community. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner called him an “icon,” while England record appearance-maker Fara Williams said Beard was “one of a kind and had the purest of souls.” Minute silences in his memory were held before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 matches.
