He moved to Spain to set up a youth academy for Spanish team UD San Pedro in 2004, eventually ending up as part of the playing squad.
[2] During his time at youth level, he also helped the team win the Southern Junior Cup, as well as finishing runners-up in the South East Counties league.
[2] After playing regularly in the youth team, Millwall manager Mick McCarthy offered Beard his first professional contract in 1993, which he signed.
[8] He made 42 appearances during the season as Southend finished in 16th position in Division Three,[9] scoring what turned out to be his only goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat to Hull City in November 1999.
[10][11] He debuted for Kingtsonian in a 1–0 home victory over Northwich Victoria on 19 August 2000, and made 29 appearances for the club during a season in which Kingstonian were relegated.
[12][13] The club reached the fourth round of the FA Cup that season, losing to Bristol City in a replay after the two teams had drawn at Ashton Gate, with Beard playing in both matches.
[2] After spending two years playing and coaching in Spain, Beard signed for Stevenage Borough of the Conference National on 11 September 2006.
[2] Stevenage manager Mark Stimson stated he was in need of "adding some grit into midfield", and subsequently offered Beard a one-week trial period to prove his fitness.
[18] Beard agreed to play for nothing at the beginning of his time at Stevenage,[2] making his debut in a 6–0 home victory over Stafford Rangers on 9 September 2006, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute in the club's first win of the season.
[26][27] He was released at the end of the season;[28] Beard stated he was "gutted to leave",[2] with Stimson wanting to bring in John Martin as his replacement.
[2] Following his release from Stevenage, Beard joined Conference South club St Albans City in a player-assistant manager role on 20 June 2007.
[33] Beard briefly returned to playing during the 2010–11 season after a number of injuries to first team players whilst manager of Tooting and Mitcham United, scoring one goal in three games.
[29] He was appointed Director of Youth at Spanish Third Division club UD San Pedro, combining the position alongside his playing duties.
With the aid of Vinny Samways, Beard watched over seven academy teams before returning to the England when he signed for Stevenage Borough.
[29] He was brought in to set up a youth academy at Sussex County League club Haywards Heath Town in 2008, and ultimately ended up managing the side during the 2009–10 season.
[2][33] He was appointed manager of Isthmian Premier Division team Tooting and Mitcham United in July 2010, spending 18-months in-charge, describing his tenure as "a great experience which will stand me in good stead for my future as a coach/manager".
[41][42] After four years in his under-18 academy coach role at Brighton, Beard was appointed assistant manager at National League club Stockport County on 6 July 2021.