Matt Beard: Family calls for mandatory manager mental health checks after death

May 12, 2026 - 13:00

The family of former Women's Super League manager Matt Beard has spoken out about the emotional toll of football management, calling for mandatory mental health checks for all coaches. Beard, who managed Liverpool and West Ham in the WSL, died last year. His relatives say the pressures of the job contributed to his struggles, and they want the football industry to take responsibility.

In an interview, Beard's family described how the constant scrutiny, long hours, and isolation of management wore him down. They argue that clubs should provide regular psychological support, not just for players but for the staff who carry the weight of results. "Managers are expected to be robots," a family member said. "They have to handle transfers, media, and fan expectations without showing any weakness."

The family is now campaigning for the Football Association and league bodies to introduce compulsory mental health screenings as part of every manager's contract. They believe such checks could identify warning signs before it is too late. The call has sparked debate across the sport, with some former managers backing the idea while others question how it would be enforced.

Beard's death has reignited conversations about mental health in football, an issue often overshadowed by the focus on physical fitness. His family hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent other families from experiencing the same loss. They want the game to remember that behind every dugout is a person, not just a tactician.