Ex-Liverpool boss Matt Beard’s cause of death confirmed after ‘icon’ was found dead

Women’s football “icon” Matt Beard’s cause of death has been confirmed after an inquest was opened up into his death at a coroners court on Monday

Matt Beard’s cause of death has been confirmed after he was found dead at his home earlier this month.

John Griffiths told a coroner’s court hearing on Monday (September 29) that paramedics were called to his home in Deeside, Flintshire, before he was taken to hospital. The court was told he was found hanged at his home.

Beard, 47, was taken to hospital, but he died at 9.15pm on Saturday (September 20). A full inquest will follow at a layer date after the hearing in Ruthin, North Wales, was adjourned.

Tributes have poured in from around the footballing world for the Women’s football icon who managed at Liverpool, West Ham and Chelsea.

Beard’s devastated son, Harry, posted on social media to share cherished memories of his father. 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 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.

“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.”

While his other former clubs also posted emotional tributes to the well-thought of manager.

There was a minute’s silence before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 games on Sunday (21 September) while Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa was postponed.

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner described Beard as an “icon” and England legend Fara Williams said Beard was “one of a kind and had the purest of souls”.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.