An inquest heard that a top women’s football manager died after he was allegedly bullied by his former club.
Matt Beard, 47, died on September 20 last year after resigning from his job as head coach of Burnley FC Women in August.
An inquest hearing was told Matt died in hospital after suffering a hypoxic brain injury as a result of hanging.
Ruthin County Hall heard his family had concerns in relation to Matt’s time working at Burnley FC, which he joined after leaving Liverpool in February 2025.
The family felt leaving Burnley “was the catalyst for a decline in his mental health”, it was said.
His wife Debbie Beard added: “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 said he would invite Burnley FC to become an interested person in the proceedings.
He said anyone who may, by act or omission, have caused or contributed to a death was entitled to interested person status.
The coroner said he would be making enquiries for further evidence from football agent Curtis Dawes.
He will also contact the League Managers Association (LMA), who Matt was said to have consulted because of concerns about his treatment at Burnley.
The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
A spokesman for Burnley FC said: “Burnley FC is aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time.”
Tributes poured in for the respected coach following his death last year.
Liverpool FC read: “Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.
“He originally joined LFC Women in 2012 and built a squad that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and also led the Reds in their first Champions League campaign.
“After returning from his spell with Boston Breakers in the USA, Matt enjoyed two years with West Ham United Women, including a run to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2019, before a spell with Bristol City Women.
“He rejoined the Reds in May 2021 to rebuild the team and return it to the top flight of women’s football, which he orchestrated in his first season back in charge, winning the FA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion and promotion to the WSL.
“He parted company with LFC Women in February, following a significant contribution to the club’s development and many memorable moments and achievements during his multiple tenures.
“Rest in peace, Matt.”
Bristol City Women wrote: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of former Bristol City Women Manager Matt Beard.”
