The inquest into the death of former Women’s Super League football manager Matt Beard has been postponed after his family raised concerns about alleged “bullying” related to his departure from Burnley Women.
Beard, who was 47, passed away in September 2025 at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The inquest was scheduled to conclude at Denbighshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday in a 45-minute hearing, but Beard’s family objected to the scope of the investigation. They told the court they believe the circumstances surrounding his departure from Burnley in August 2025—just two months after taking charge—contributed to a decline in his mental health, and requested that a witness from the club give live testimony at the final hearing.
Evidence already collected includes statements from Beard’s agent and GP, along with material provided by Burnley and Leicester City Women, the latter of which had expressed interest in hiring Beard both before and after his exit 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, also expressed concerns about social media posts from Burnley that he described as “quite damaging” to the manager.
In response, coroner John Gittins stated 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 would seek further evidence from the League Managers Association (LMA), as Beard was believed to have consulted them about his treatment at Burnley.
The inquest has been postponed indefinitely while the coroner gathers additional evidence.
Burnley stated they are “aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time.”
**’The purest of souls’**
Beard was one of the most respected coaches in women’s football, having managed seven clubs and been named WSL Manager of the Season twice.
His funeral, held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, was attended by hundreds of mourners, including players and managers from both the women’s game and beyond.
In the months before his death, Beard was out of work, having been placed on gardening leave by Burnley after resigning.
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of support from across the football community.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner called him an “icon,” while England’s all-time appearance leader Fara Williams said Beard was “one of a kind and had the purest of souls.”
Minute’s silences were held in memory of Beard before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 matches in the following round of fixtures, while Liverpool paid their respects in a similar manner.