Inquest hears allegations of pressure on Maddy Cusack at Sheffield United

Maddy Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 and died the same day. The former England youth international started her career at Nottingham Forest and spent six seasons at Sheffield United.

At Chesterfield Coroner’s Court, an inquest heard allegations that Jonathan Morgan made comments about Cusack’s weight and relationship, called her a “psycho” and played mind games with her while managing Sheffield United Women. Morgan told the Football Association after her death that she was “generally a liar.” David Cusack told the inquest his daughter was “dismayed” when Morgan joined Sheffield United in February 2023 after the pair had previously worked together at Leicester City. Deborah Cusack said Maddy was “absolutely devastated” by the appointment because of her earlier experience with him at Leicester, and the family said that move was linked to a decline in her mental health.

The family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United in the week after her death, setting out the issues they believed stemmed from her relationship with Morgan. The Football Association said she would be paid tribute at an appropriate point, while Baroness Sue Campbell said the governing body was devastated by her death.