The football world is in mourning following confirmation that Matt Beard, the former manager of Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham women’s teams, died earlier this month at the age of 47.
An inquest opening in Ruthin, North Wales heard that Beard was found hanged at his home in Deeside, Flintshire, on 20 September.
Paramedics were called and he was rushed to hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 9.15pm that evening. A full inquest will follow later.
Beard leaves behind his wife and children, including his son Harry, who has led moving tributes on social media.
In a series of heartfelt posts, Harry remembered his father as a man who always brought joy. Sharing photos and videos, he wrote: “Never failed to make me laugh, even when having a bad day, he always used to say, ‘I bet I can make you smile’ and he always did.”
He added a powerful message urging others struggling with their mental health to seek help: “Suicide is never the answer, reach out. Call 111, or 999. Please don’t take your own life, we all miss you dad.”
Liverpool FC, where Beard twice led the women’s side to league titles, described him as “a person of real integrity and warmth” and said he would be remembered with genuine fondness.
Former clubs West Ham and Chelsea also issued statements of condolence, while players, coaches and supporters shared their shock and sorrow.
A minute of silence was held across Women’s Super League fixtures last weekend, while Liverpool’s scheduled match against Aston Villa was postponed. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner called Beard an “icon” of the women’s game, and England great Fara Williams praised him as “one of a kind and the purest of souls.”
The inquest into Beard’s death will continue in due course.
