Burnley's Bullying Allegations Delay Matt Beard Inquest in 2026

The inquest into Matt Beard's death is delayed due to concerns about bullying surrounding his departure from Burnley Women.

Matt Beard's Family Raises Concerns Over Bullying at Burnley The inquest into the death of former Women's Super League football manager Matt Beard has been delayed due to concerns raised by his family about alleged 'bullying' surrounding his departure from Burnley Women. Beard, who died aged 47 in September 2025 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, had a provisional verdict of suicide recorded when the inquest was opened shortly afterwards. The family told the court that they feel the circumstances of Beard's departure from his managerial position at Burnley in August 2025 - two months after taking charge - contributed to a deterioration in his mental wellbeing, and asked that a witness from the club give live evidence at the final inquest. The evidence gathered so far includes statements from Beard's agent and GP, as well as material provided by Burnley and Leicester City Women, who had shown interest in hiring Beard before and after his departure from the Clarets. ## Family Describes Burnley's Treatment of Beard as 'Bullying' Beard's wife Debbie described the treatment of her husband by Burnley as 'bullying', stating that Matt left Burnley of his own accord because he wasn't happy there, but they wouldn't allow him to move on to another job. She also mentioned that in a video Beard recorded shortly before his death, he named Burnley chairman Alan Pace as the instigator who put a stop to him talking to Leicester City. Debbie emphasized that 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. Burnley chairman Alan Pace is alleged to have put a stop to Beard talking to Leicester City. ## Coroner Invites Burnley to Participate in Inquest In response to the family's concerns, coroner John Gittins said that he would invite Burnley to take an active role in the inquest. He stated that he would seek to obtain further evidence from the League Managers Association (LMA), with Beard said to have consulted them over concerns about his treatment at Burnley. The coroner also mentioned that he will seek to have a video Beard recorded shortly before his death heard in court. The inquest was postponed indefinitely while the coroner gathers further evidence. ## Tributes Pour in for the Late Matt Beard Matt Beard was remembered by his peers as a person of real integrity and warmth. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner described him as an 'icon', and England record appearance-maker Fara Williams said Beard was 'one of a kind and had the purest of souls'. A fundraiser to support Beard's family organised by journalist Jacqui Oatley raised more than £50,000. Beard was also inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame last month. His brother Mark, a former Football League midfielder who now manages Hull City under-18s, paid tribute to the 'most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him'.