The news of Matt Beard’s death has sent shockwaves through English football. The former Liverpool Women coach, aged 47, passed away on September 20 in Wales. A coroner’s court has now confirmed the opening of an inquest to determine the circumstances of his death.

What is known about the case?

According to coroner John Griffiths, Beard was found hanged at his home in Flintshire, Wales, and was transported to Chester Hospital with severe brain damage. His family later made the difficult decision to switch off life support after his admission.

What was Matt Beard’s career path?

Beard left a lasting mark on women’s football. He managed Liverpool Women in two separate stints, leading the club to back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. He returned in 2021 but was dismissed in February of this year. His final role was at Burnley Women, where he resigned in June after just two months in charge.

Over his career, Beard also coached at Millwall, Chelsea, West Ham, and Bristol City, and worked in the NWSL in the United States with the Boston Breakers.

How did English football react?

The impact of his passing was reflected in widespread tributes. A minute’s silence was held before all WSL and WSL2 fixtures on September 21, while the match between Liverpool and Aston Villa was postponed.

The family requested that tributes be turned into donations to mental health organizations, and a fundraiser organized by journalist Jacqui Oatley has already surpassed £50,000 in support of Beard’s loved ones.

His son, Harry Beard, also posted on social media to honor his father and raise awareness about mental health struggles: “Suicide is never the answer,” he wrote.