Matt Beard: Ex-WSL manager’s inquest delayed over family concerns

An inquest into the death of former Women’s Super League football manager Matt Beard has been delayed due to his family’s concerns over alleged “bullying” surrounding his departure from Burnley Women.

Beard died at the age of 47 in September 2025 at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The inquest was due to conclude at Denbighshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday, in a hearing scheduled for 45 minutes, but the Beard family objected to the scope of the inquest.

The family told the court they felt the circumstances of Beard’s departure from his managerial post at Burnley in August 2025 – two months after taking over – contributed to his deteriorating mental well-being, and asked a witness from the club to give direct evidence at the final inquest.

Evidence gathered so far includes statements from Beard’s agent and GP, as well as material provided by women from Burnley and Leicester City, who showed interest in recruiting Beard before and after his departure from the Clarets.

The family also wants the court to hear the video Dari recorded shortly before his death.

“Matt left Burnley of his own accord because he was not happy there,” his wife Debbie told the court. “But they wouldn’t let him go (to another job). I think they beat 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 Matt Baum video, naming (Burnley chairman) Alan Pace as the instigator who stopped him talking to Leicester City.

“Matt released that video for a reason. He wanted it to be found and he wanted his voice heard.”

Scott Beard, the stepson of the former Liverpool boss, told the hearing he had expressed concern over Burnley’s social media posts which 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 investigation.

“You get the feeling that when he left Burnley it was the catalyst for his mental health to deteriorate and that decline led to the events that led to his death,” Gittins said.

“Having heard from family members today, bearing in mind the matters you have brought to my attention, I would invite Burnley FC to become a person of interest for an investigation. It is up to them whether they accept that request.

“You have made it very clear to me that in this particular instance you want it (the video) in the public domain.

“That video is the best evidence of my intent to harm myself.”

The coroner also said he would seek further evidence from the League Managers Association (LMA), saying Beard had consulted them over concerns about his treatment at Burnley.

The inquest was adjourned indefinitely while the coroner gathered more evidence.

Burnley said they were “aware of an ongoing legal process and would not be commenting at this time”.