Beard began his career at Millwall in 1991. He signed his first professional contract in 1993, and made his first-team debut shortly after. He spent two years at the club, scoring a memorable goal against Arsenal in an FA Cup victory in January 1995. He was transferred to Sheffield United ahead of the 1995–96 season, spending three years at the club. In 1998, he joined Southend United, who he had also spent time on loan at in 1997. He went on to enjoy regular first-team football with the Essex side over two spells, as well as having two spells at Kingstonian. In 2004, Beard moved to Spain to set up a youth academy for Spanish side UD San Pedro, eventually ending up as part of the playing squad. After two years in Spain, he returned to England to sign for Stevenage Borough, spending one year with the club and winning the FA Trophy as part of the first side to win a competitive cup final at the new Wembley Stadium in May 2007. Beard went on to spend time at AFC Wimbledon during the 2007–08 season, and the club were promoted to the Conference South via the play-offs during his time there.