This article discusses suicide.

"A cheeky fellow - football's own Del Boy."

This is how Debbie Beard recalls her husband, football manager Matt Beard, who passed away at 47 in September.

One of the top achievers and most admired figures in women's football, his passing reverberated through the sport and far beyond.

He was discovered at home and later died in hospital. Authorities believe he took his own life, pending the full inquest findings.

Players he coached, opponents his sides battled, and supporters drawn to his fun-loving, approachable style all shared heartfelt tributes.

It was hard to fathom how someone who greeted everyone with a grin could make such a devastating choice.

A two-time Women's Super League champion with Liverpool, Matt was also dad to Harry and Ellie, plus stepson Scott.

From the family home in North Wales, Debbie tells BBC Sport she wouldn't want anyone to endure the fallout from Matt's death, calling for football to mandate routine mental health evaluations for managers - preventing other families from this agony.

"It felt completely ordinary," Debbie says of the day Matt died, after he had walked the family dog at length.

"We never could have anticipated it - not in a million years. I only wish he had admitted 'I'm struggling'."

Debbie was aware of her husband's prior emotional challenges - such as after his father's passing in 2022 - yet he kept working and acting normally.

She views Matt's death as a catalyst for better oversight of managers' mental wellbeing.

Debbie argues managers shouldn't have to seek help themselves, especially in a cutthroat setting where time for self-care is scarce.

"I demand real change - implement proper mental health screenings for managers," she states.

"The pressure is immense; it must be routine monitoring.

"Create a dedicated safe space for managers to vent without judgment. Make weekly check-ins compulsory, no exceptions.

"Football obsesses over physical strength and fitness, but mentally, they must raise their hand first - that's not fair."

The League Managers' Association (LMA) offers programs like private counseling from psychiatrists, health coverage, and mental health training sessions.

The LMA informed BBC Sport of the "ongoing need to educate on recognizing signs of distress".

It noted: "Management and coaching in football frequently trigger stress, anxiety, burnout, and related mental health issues.

"We keep partnering with the sport's stakeholders for a coordinated mental health strategy."

Matt's relatives note he rarely detached emotionally from the game, with social media backlash increasingly affecting him.

Delivering tough updates on squad spots or futures weighed heavily, Debbie reveals.

"Matt hated disappointing anyone," she says. "There were tears, outbursts, and negativity from families or fans.

"Staff collectively decided, but as the messenger, he bore the full emotional load.

"He supported everyone, loathed failing them. He cared for others - just not himself."

In the lead-up summer, Matt took the helm at third-tier Burnley.

Yet family say he disliked the club's operations. WSL's Leicester City signaled interest.

BBC Sport learns Burnley rejected Leicester's contract buyout bid. Matt quit, but Leicester deal fell through.

Burnley sidelined him on gardening leave, barring work or club contact for three months.

Burnley passed on BBC Sport's request for details on his exit.

At a recent pre-inquest review, Debbie claimed Burnley "bullied" Matt. Proceedings paused indefinitely.

Burnley responded they "know of the active legal matter and won't comment now".

Debbie links his work ban to worsening mental health.

"He couldn't farewell players or explain his departure," she says. "It crushed him.

"He fretted over family finances. I juggled three jobs to cope.

"He felt like a failure."

Matt leaves a legacy as a pioneering coach with witty, engaging interviews and a knack for developing young stars.

But 15-year-old son Harry treasures home moments, where Matt shone as a vibrant family man.

They bonded over Minecraft, but Harry recalls Matt's joy in the kitchen most.

"He sang while cooking breakfasts and roasts," Harry shares.

"Love pours out only after tragedy - it should come sooner.

"Wins get no praise for managers, but losses bring online abuse.

"Managers deserve more support."