Inquest into death of former Burnley Women boss Matt Beard delayed over 'bullying' concerns
An inquest into the tragic death of former Burnley Women manager Matt Beard has been delayed over allegations of “bullying”.
The club’s former boss passed away at the age of 47 in September 2025, just a month after resigning from his role with Burnley. Beard had only been appointed to the job in June 2025.
A provisional cause of death of suicide was recorded when the inquest was opened shortly afterwards.
The inquest was due to conclude at Denbighshire Coroner's Court on Thursday, but the Beard family objected to the scope of the investigation.
PA report that the family told the court they feel the circumstances surrounding Beard’s departure from Burnley contributed to a deterioration in his mental health.
The family also wants a video Beard recorded shortly before his death to be heard in court.
Beard was placed on gardening leave on August 27, 2025, with the club expressing their “disappointment” he had resigned from his position to “pursue other opportunities”.
Leicester City Women had shown an interest in Beard both before and after his move to Burnley, but Matt’s wife Debbie Beard insists he only left because of his unhappiness in the role.
“Basically, they didn't allow him to move on. I feel like they bullied him, to be honest,” she told the hearing.
Senior coroner John Gittins said he would invite Burnley FC to become an interested person in the proceedings. The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
In response to the claims, a club spokesperson said: “Burnley FC is aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time.”
The club were also unable to confirm if they intend to be represented at the inquest.
Last month, Burnley fans held banners with Beard’s face on them alongside the caption “For you, Beardy” after the women’s team clinched promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL) 2.
A number of players also paid tribute, having previously played under him at other clubs.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 and returned for a second spell at the club in 2021.
He also managed the women’s teams of Millwall, Chelsea, West Ham and Boston Breakers, as well as an interim spell at Bristol City.
Following his death, a fundraiser to support Beard's family was organised by journalist Jacqui Oatley and raised more than £50,000.
Beard’s interim replacement Lou Roberts also resigned from her role at Burnley later in the season in February, citing “internal bullying” and a “toxic environment”.
“After one of the most adverse seasons I have ever experienced in my career, my role was at times overshadowed by idle gossip, internal bullying, control and silencing, which often conflicted with my core values,” she wrote as part of a lengthy statement posted to her Instagram account.
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