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The wife and son of Matt Beard, Debbie and Harry, are advocating for specialized mental health resources for football managers.
Please be advised that this article contains discussions of suicide.
“A cheeky chappy – the Del Boy of football.”
This is how Debbie Beard remembers her husband, football manager Matt Beard, who passed away in September at the age of 47.
As one of the most accomplished and well-regarded managers in women’s football, his death resonated deeply within the sport and beyond.
An outpouring of tributes came from players he had coached, rivals his teams had encountered, and fans who were captivated by his playful and grounded demeanor.
Few could reconcile the image of a man who always had a smile for everyone with the tragic decision he ultimately made.
In addition to his two Women’s Super League titles with Liverpool, Matt was a dedicated father to his son Harry, daughter Ellie, and stepson Scott.
In an interview with BBC Sport at their North Wales home, Debbie expressed her hope that no other family would have to endure the pain of Matt’s death, urging football authorities to implement regular, mandatory mental health assessments for managers.
Debbie described the day of Matt’s death as “just normal,” recalling that he had taken the family dog for a long walk earlier in the day.
“We would never have seen that coming – not in a million years. I just wish he had said ‘I’m struggling’.”
Debbie acknowledged that her husband had faced emotional challenges in the past, including after his father’s death in 2022, but noted that he would continue to work and behave as usual.
She believes that Matt’s death should prompt a reevaluation of how football managers’ mental health is monitored.
Debbie argues that the responsibility should not solely rest on managers to seek help, as they may not prioritize their own well-being in a high-pressure environment with limited free time.
“I want to see a change – there should be proper mental health checks for managers,” Debbie stated.
“Given the intense pressure they face, it should be a standard part of their monitoring.”
“There should be a designated safe space where managers can confide in someone and unburden themselves. It should be mandatory for them to have a weekly check-in with someone, no questions asked.”
“While there is significant emphasis on physical conditioning in football, the onus is on managers to speak up and ask for help regarding their mental health, which I don’t believe is right.”
The League Managers’ Association (LMA) offers various initiatives to support football managers’ mental health, including confidential counseling with consultant psychiatrists, access to health insurance, and mental health education workshops.
The LMA told BBC Sport that there was a “need for continued education in spotting the signs and symptoms of those who are struggling”.
It added: “Football management and coaching is a profession that can often lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and a number of other serious associated mental health conditions.
“We continue to proactively work with the game and its stakeholders to address mental health in a more unified and collaborative way.”
Matt and Debbie married in 2009, having met when he became her estate agent – a job he did part-time during his early days in football coaching
Matt led Liverpool to consecutive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014, and during his second stint with the Reds, he guided them back to the WSL from the Championship in 2021.
He also managed Millwall, Chelsea, and Boston Breakers in the USA, as well as West Ham, whom he led to the 2019 FA Cup final.
Next week, Matt will be posthumously inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame.
His funeral was held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, reflecting the large number of people who wished to pay their respects. Family and friends were joined by prominent figures from across football, including USA manager Emma Hayes, former England captain Casey Stoney, and Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
Matt’s brother, Mark, who played in the Football League for Millwall and Sheffield United, among other teams, and now manages Hull City Under-18s, told the service that Matt’s death should serve as a lesson for everyone.
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Matt’s brother Mark says managers are under so much pressure that being honest about their mental health is difficult
“I just wish he knew how much he was loved in those final moments, because he probably felt the world was against him, but it wasn’t,” Mark told BBC Sport.
“He sent me a text that night saying: ‘I love more than you’ll ever know, mate.’ I sent one back saying: ‘I love you more-r.’
“I didn’t leave his side for the five days he was in the hospital. I was sat up all night playing Millwall songs to him. Thankfully all the family had a chance to say goodbye.”
Matt (left) and Mark (right) inherited a passion for following Millwall from their father Mick (centre)
Mark remembers his brother as an inspirational leader whose deep connection with his players mirrored his loving personality at home.
“He always had the love of the players,” Mark says. “That’s the difference between Matt and other managers.
“Whatever tactics he set out, his teams were always exciting to watch and the girls would give everything for him.
“As a manager, you’re in charge of all the staff and 20 or so players, so you never take time to look after yourself.
“All managers think we’re superhuman, but deep down, you know when you’re struggling. I just hope to God there’s not another death.”
Matt’s family say he often struggled to emotionally switch off from football, and that negative comments on social media had begun to have an impact on his mental health.
He found breaking bad news to players about their place in the squad or future plans particularly difficult emotionally, according to Debbie.
“Matt always felt so bad having to let someone down,” she explains. “There would be tears, they might have shouted at him, and the player’s family and the fans could sometimes be negative towards him too.
“He and other staff members would make the decisions but, because he had to deliver the news, the emotional burden all came down on to him.
“Matt was there for everybody and he hated letting people down. He looked out for everyone else, but sadly not himself.”
In the summer leading up to his death, Matt had been appointed manager of Burnley in the third tier.
But Matt’s family say he wasn’t happy with the way the club was being run. WSL side Leicester City made it known they were interested in hiring Matt.
BBC Sport understands Burnley turned down an offer from Leicester to buy out the rest of Matt’s contract. Matt then resigned, but the move to Leicester never came to pass.
Burnley placed Matt on gardening leave, meaning he was unable to work or talk to other clubs for a period of three months.
Burnley declined a request to comment from BBC Sport on the nature of Matt’s departure from the club.
In a pre-inquest review hearing last week, Debbie alleged that Burnley “bullied” Matt. The inquest was adjourned indefinitely.
Burnley said they were “aware of an ongoing legal process and will not be making any comment at this time”.
Debbie believes the time Matt was unable to work contributed to a deterioration in his mental state.
“He wasn’t allowed to say goodbye to his players or tell them why he left,” Debbie says. “That had a huge impact on him.
“He was finding it hard, [worrying about] how he would provide for the family. I was working three jobs just to get us through.
“I think he felt like a bit of a failure.”
Matt, a two-time WSL manager of the season, celebrated Liverpool’s 2021 Championship win with his adoring family
Matt’s legacy in football will be as a trailblazing coach who delivered charming and funny interviews, as well as possessing a terrific ability to uncover and nurture young talent.
But his 15-year-old son Harry’s favourite memories of his dad were made at home, where Matt was a larger-than-life character who cherished his family.
The pair would often bond by playing Minecraft together, but it was in the kitchen that Harry remembers Matt happiest.
“He was always singing in the kitchen, cooking breakfast, and making roast dinners,” Harry says.
“It is only when something happens that all this love comes out, but it should have been way before.
“You don’t see many people congratulating managers on a win, and it’s ridiculous because when they get a loss, they get battered online.
“There should be more love for the managers out there.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, support and advice is available via BBC Action Line.