Sports

‘Superhuman’ managers shouldn’t have to ask for help – Beard’s family on loss

ByJo Currie and Daniel Austin, BBC Sport senior journalists6 hours agoThis post contains discussion about suicide. “A cheeky chappie – the Del Boy in football. Matt is believed to have committed suicide, although an inquest has not yet been concluded. Tributes poured in from players he had coached, rivals his teams had faced along the way, and fans who were charmed by his playful, down-to-earth persona. Matt is believed to be the victim of suicide, but an inquest has not yet been completed. Tributes poured from players he coached, rivals he faced and fans who were charmed with his playful, down to earth persona. Managers shouldn’t need to ask for help. Debbie describes Matt’s death as “just normal”. He had taken the family dog on a long walk the day before. “We never would have predicted that – not even in a million lifetimes.” I wish he would have said, “I’m struggling”. “Debbie knew that her husband had faced emotional difficulties before, including after the death of his dad in 2022, but said he would continue working and behave as usual. She feels Matt’s passing should be a catalyst for a change in how mental health is monitored by football managers. Debbie says, “I’d like to see a shift – proper mental health tests for managers.” “They are under such high stakes pressure, it should be a part of regular monitoring.” “There should be designated safe spaces where managers can go to talk with someone and unload. No questions asked, it should be mandatory for someone to check in with them once a week. “There’s a lot of emphasis on strength and fitness in football but they are the ones who have to speak up for mental health, which is not right. The League Managers’ Association runs a range of initiatives to help football managers manage their mental health. These include confidential counselling with psychiatrists, access to health insurance, and mental education workshops. “We will continue to work with the game, its stakeholders and to address mental illness in a more collaborative and unified way. “Image source, Beard Family’Managers never look after themselves’Matt managed West Ham to the 2019 FA Cup Final. He also managed Millwall, Chelsea, Boston Breakers and other teams in the USA. Mark told BBC Sport that he wished Matt knew how much he loved him in his final moments. He probably thought the world was against he, but it was not. “He sent me text that night, saying: ‘I Love more than you’ll Ever Know, Mate.’ I replied with ‘I love more-r’. I stayed up all night singing Millwall songs to him. All the family members were able to say goodbye. “Image source, Beard familyMark recalls his brother as a leader who was deeply connected to his players and whose loving personality reflected his leadership at home. Mark says, “He always had love for the players.” “That’s what makes Matt different from other managers. “Whatever his tactics, his teams were exciting to watch. And the girls would give their all for him. “As a coach, you are responsible for all the staff, and about 20 players. You never have time to take care of yourself. “We all think we are superhuman but deep down you know when you are struggling. I hope there isn’t another death. “‘Matt was averse to bad news’Matt’s family claim that he struggled to emotionally disconnect from football and that negative comments made on social media began to affect his mental health. According to Debbie, he found it difficult to break bad news to players regarding their place in the team or future plans. “Matt felt bad about letting someone down,” she says. “There were tears, shouts, and sometimes negative comments from the players’ families and fans. “He would make decisions with other staff members, but because he was the one who had to deliver the bad news, all the emotional burden fell on him. “Matt loved to be there for everyone and he hated to let people down. He was always looking out for others, but not himself. Matt’s family claim he was not happy with how the club was run. Burnley reportedly turned down a bid from Leicester City to buy out Matt’s remaining contract. According to BBC Sport, Matt resigned and the move to Leicester never happened. Matt resigned but the move to Leicester did not happen. Burnley placed Matt on gardening leaves, which meant he could not work or speak to other clubs for three months. Debbie claimed that Burnley “bullied Matt” in a pre-inquest hearing review last week. The inquest has been adjourned until further notice. Burnley stated that they are “aware of a legal process in progress and will not make any comments at this time”. Debbie believes Matt’s mental state deteriorated during the time he was unable work. Debbie says that Matt was not allowed to say goodbye to the players he coached or explain why he had left. “That had an enormous impact on him. “He was having a hard time, [worrying] about how he could provide for his family. I had to work three jobs to make ends meet. “I think he was feeling like a failure. “Image source, Beard Family’There should more love for managers. Harry recalls that Matt was always singing and cooking in the kitchen. He also made roast dinners. “It’s only when something happens, that all of this love comes out. But it should have happened way before.” You don’t see people congratulating managers for a win. It’s ridiculous, because when they lose, they are beaten online. There should be more love out there for managers. “If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, support and advice is available via BBC Action Line.Related topicsWomen’s FootballFootballWomen’s Super League

Sports

England calls for Robinson, Gay, Rew & Baker

Image source: Getty ImagesByStephan ShemiltCricket correspondent13 May 2026 12:00 BSTUpdated ten minutes agoEngland has ended Ollie Robinson’s 2-year international exile. They have called up Emilio Gay and James Rew for their first Test since England’s dismal Ashe Leg-spinner Ahmed may play in his first home Test. England has also confirmed Marcus North’s appointment as the new national selection. Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, replaces Luke Wright who stepped down from the selection panel after the Ashes for personal reasons. He is the first foreigner in England’s history to be in charge of the selection panel. He was once considered the new-ball successor to Anderson and Broad. But he fell out and was dropped after the tour of India two years ago. England’s ‘feckless reckless and legless in Ashes’13 AprilThe 92mph England bowler ready for a new beginning after a difficult debut30 AprilFew would doubt Robinson’s pedigree and competitiveness as one of the premier seamers of the country. He was contacted by England at Robinson has led Sussex to three wins in five matches. He took 17 wickets, and scored an impressive century, against Surrey. Baker, Gus Atkinson and Matthew Fisher, both 23 years old, are also included in the pace-bowling squad. Jofra Archer is at the Indian Premier League and will not be ready until the Brydon Carse, who is recovering from a fractured wrist, is not available until the second Test. Jofra Archer is in the Indian Premier League. He was selected after a good start to the season for Hampshire. Crawley’s absence had been inevitable. Crawley’s 104 Test innings with an average of less than 30.52 was the most opportunities ever given to an opener at the top of order. Gay would appear to be the frontrunner to open alongside Ben Duckett after impressing in three T20s at Durham at the start of the season. Rew has also declined an offer from West Indies. Despite his youth, Rew has already scored 12 first-class hundred. England asked him to open the Somerset innings, even though he is more comfortable in the middle of the order. England held a review following the Ashes, which was marred by poor performances and problems off the field. The director of cricket Rob Key, coach McCullum, and captain Stokes kept their jobs. The squad will gather for a training at Loughborough, a week before the first Test.

Sports

Will Middlesbrough-Southampton play-off have a decisive third act?

The EFL has charged Southampton with spying on Middlesbrough. Southampton ask for additional time to investigate spying allegations21 hours agoBoro’ The EFL has charged Southampton with spying on Middlesbrough4 days ago Middlesbrough will fly back to Teesside, but their fate has not Middlesbrough’s head coach Kim Hellberg expressed his disappointment at the loss In his words, there’s someone who decides to go and cheat. After “If we hadn’t caught the man that they sent up to drive five hours “When you lose that, it breaks my heart. I believe in so many things “Hellberg’s team took the lead on the evening and in the tie He was left with a range emotions after such a devastating loss. “When I accepted the Middlesbrough position, I knew there were clubs with “As a coach, you are responsible for the tactical aspect of the game You must find a way to gain an advantage. “That’s always what you try to do, as we can be more effective When that is taken from you …” Source: Getty Images “It is not easy for me. I would like to say something, but “This whole issue is overshadowing the two games which are a great advert “I hope the way we talk about it gives credit to both games’ quality. “We understand the seriousness. There’s not much more to say for the moment. “Related topicsMiddlesbroughChampionshipSouthamptonFootball

Sports

Spurs drag out safety battle to keep nerves jangling

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Sports

West Ham set to contact referees’ body over disallowed goal

BySami MokbelSenior football correspondent11 May 2026 06 :08 BSTUpdated 3 hours agoWest Hammer is planning to contact Professional Game Match Officials regarding their late equaliser with Arsenal. BBC Sport reported that they would also request the audio between VAR Darren England and referee Chris Kavanagh. The Gunners beat Manchester City 1-0 to move five points in front of them in the Premier League. West Ham is currently 18th and Tottenham Hotspur are one point ahead of them. They will play Leeds on Monday. Wayne Rooney, former England and Manchester United striker, thinks VAR did “a really good job” in disallowing the goal. Rooney stated, “It’s a clear violation” on The Wayne Rooney Show. You’re going to hear a lot of people say that it shouldn’t’ve stood because it is controversial. And probably, all the staff, players and fans [of Manchester] City will say it should have stood. You’ll also hear from all the Tottenham fans, players and staff that the goal should not have stood, as well as the Arsenal supporters. “But it is an obvious foul. It’s obvious that the arm is crossing the face of the player, and preventing him from reaching the ball. This is the correct decision. “This is the only instance when I thought VAR performed well during an important match. Rooney was satisfied with the decision in this instance, but he lamented that goalkeepers had an advantage inside their own zone. “I hate that referees and VAR are always consistent. Rooney said that if you get anywhere near the goalkeeper it is considered a foul. “You get a penalty for being anywhere near the goalkeeper.” I’ve always disliked goalkeepers because of this. I believe (…) are able to jump with their hands, and that gives them a huge advantage. They will usually put studs and other things on your back. “But I think it’s consistent that goalkeepers, [if] they come near you, usually get a penalty kick. What other pundits had to say about this? On Match of the Day, former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann stated: “I don’t believe anyone would choose Darren England to be their counterpart. No one would want to be in that chair. He was right, he made the decision and it was the largest VAR decision ever in Premier League. {Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, on Match of the Day : “The thing which irritates me” Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given stated on Match of the Day “the thing which irritates [me] is that we have seen goalkeepers and defenders blocked off numerous times this year with Arsenal. The consistency of the refereeing decisions frustrates everyone. Why are certain goals allowed while others are not? The bottom of the league and the top are both in the balance. “The other thing is that Gabriel is holding, Odegaard is holding, and Trossard is holding before the foul occurs on Raya. When did the referee choose this foul over the one before? Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder, said on Match of the Day the controversy and discontent over West Ham’s failure to score the goal is because of Arsenal. They can’t be held accountable for past decisions. “The VAR officials have to say what they see and it is an obvious foul. We shouldn’t let the fact that Arsenal is playing influence us. Rob Green, a former West Ham goalkeeper, told BBC Radio 5 Live it was a penalty. Two players are fouling the goalkeeper. This has been a hot issue all season, and it’s not surprising it comes down this. It feels like West Ham, Arsenal and VAR have been the hot topics of this season, especially with their set pieces. “In isolation, foul. The ball did not land where it was supposed to, but five or six fouls occurred at the same moment. You need to think about consistency. You think about consistency. “Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC SoundsRelated topicsWest Ham UnitedPremier LeagueArsenalFootballMore on this storyFollow your club with BBC Sport12 MarchListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025

Sports

Biggest VAR call ever? Four chaotic minutes that may define the season

By There The While On On Arsenal ” I What ” My It ” Nun I They We ” I It ” It Nun By He He Arsenal It Without the foul contact by Pablo, Raya would surely have had a simple catch.Pablo had his arm across Raya and he was holding on to the goalkeeper’s left arm.England checked the other possible fouls too, by Trossard on Pablo and Rice on Summerville.Importantly, the first foul that had a direct impact on play was Pablo on Raya. It’s the wrong way to look at it. It was unimaginable two and a half years ago. Now he’s got the landmark game on the football calendar – and he’s exorcised his VAR demons.Image source, Getty ImagesRelated topicsWest Ham UnitedPremier LeagueArsenalFootballGet news, insight and fan views on your Premier League team12 MarchAll your football quizzes in one placeMore on this storyPremier League indexPremier League tablePremier League fixtures