Matt Beard’s family and colleagues paid tribute following his death aged 47
Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard died earlier this month(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire.)
Matt Beard’s cause of death has been confirmed. The death of the ex-Liverpool Women’s manager, who was 47 years-old, was announced on September 20.
The news promoted an outpouring of tributes from across world of football. Mr Beard won two Women’s Super League titles with the Reds in 2013 and 2014 in his first spell at the club. He returned in 2021 when they had been relegated to the second tier and later guided them to promotion before departing earlier this year.
Mr Beard was seen as a pioneer in promoting Women’s Football. He also held managerial roles at Millwall, Chelsea, West Ham, Bristol City and Burnley.
At a hearing at Denbighshire coroner’s office today, September 29, senior coroner for North Wales John Griffiths heard paramedics were called to Mr Beard’s home in Deeside, Flintshire, before he was taken to hospital. As the Daily Star reports, the court was told he was found hanged at his home.
Mr Beard was taken to hospital, but he died at 9.15pm on Saturday, September 20. A full inquest will follow at a later date after the hearing in Ruthin, North Wales, was adjourned.
Mr Beard’s devastated son, Harry, posted on social media to share cherished memories of his dad. One post saw him share photos of the pair together, as he wrote: “Love you dad, [19]78-[20]25. Always will miss you.”
Another heartbreaking post featured a photo of him holding his father’s hand, as he wrote: “Suicide is never the answer, reach out. Call 111, or 999. Please don’t take your own life, we all miss you dad.”
In another video of Mr Beard jumping into a pool, he captioned: “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.”
In a statement, Liverpool said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time.
There was a minute’s silence before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 games on Sunday September 21 while Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa was postponed. A minute’s silence was also held before Liverpool men faced Southampton in the Carabao Cup last week.
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Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.ukPaul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.ukThe Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.ukJames’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/