Matt Beard denied permission to speak to another club before shock resignation from Burnley | OneFootball

Photo: Chloe Knott for The FA

Matt Beard was reportedly denied permission to speak to Leicester City before he decided to leave his role as manager of Women’s National League side Burnley.

The 47-year-old was only appointed as manager of third-tier side Burnley on June 20th, earlier this summer.

They had made a positive start to the season, taking four points from their opening two games of the campaign.

However, Burnley announced on Wednesday that Beard had made the shock decision to resign after just 68 days in the position.

Burnley said they were “disappointed” with Beard’s decision, confirming that he left to “pursue other opportunities”.

Beard’s appointment at Burnley was seen as an ambitious one in a season that the women’s team have turned professional.

The manager said the club’s decision to turn professional was a major factor behind taking the job, after being out of work since February following his sacking by Liverpool.

Matt Beard wanted to leave Burnley for Leicester City

The Daily Mail reported that Matt Beard was denied permission by Burnley to speak to Leicester City about their manager vacancy.

When the request was declined, Beard tended his resignation, with the announcement made on Wednesday morning.

Amandine Miquel was still the Leicester City boss at the time of which Beard’s resignation was announced.

However, hours later on Wednesday evening, the Foxes confirmed that Miquel had been sacked just over a week before the start of the new Women’s Super League season.

Leicester could still face a wait on their hands to appoint Beard if he is the manager they want to replace Miquel.

Burnley in their statement confirmed that Beard had been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect.

Leicester start their Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday, September 7th, against Manchester United.

The Foxes are one of the favourites to be relegated this season. However, even if they finish bottom of the league, they will face the side that finishes third in the second-tier in a playoff, due to the WSL’s expansion to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season.

What is next for Burnley?

Burnley Women are next in action on Sunday against Loughborough Lightning, in the Women’s National League North division.

The Clarets will be hoping to find a new permanent manager as soon as possible to help keep their promotion hopes alive.

First team coach Louise Roberts will step in as interim manager, while Liam Gilbert will work as her assistant.