Inquest into Death of Sheffield United Player Maddy Cusack Reveals Mental Health Struggles
An inquest in Chesterfield, England, is examining the death of 27-year-old Sheffield United women’s footballer Maddy Cusack, who died in September 2023. Her father testified that her mental health deteriorated after coach Jonathan Morgan joined the club, citing stigma, reduced pay, and alleged mind games. Teammates reported Morgan called Cusack a “psycho” and made comments about her weight. Sheffield United’s internal investigation found no wrongdoing. The inquest continues.
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Maddy Cusack Inquest Adjourned to December for Evidence Search
The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, 27, has been adjourned until December 7 to allow the club to search for documents related to her medical records. Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Derbyshire on September 20, 2023, and pronounced dead the same day. The inquest, which began on June 29, heard that Cusack's family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United weeks after her death, alleging issues with her working relationship with coach Jonathan Morgan. Morgan, who had previously released Cusack at Leicester City, denied concerns but had told the FA she was 'generally a liar'. Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC apologized for the delay, citing the need to request Microsoft Teams and Google Drive records from the club. The club's doctor admitted Cusack's medical records had been lost. Witnesses including the doctor and physio will be recalled when the inquest resumes.
BBC SportMaddy Cusack Inquest Adjourned to December for Evidence Search
The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, 27, has been adjourned until December 7. Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Derbyshire on September 20, 2023, and pronounced dead the same day. The inquest, which began on June 29, was due to conclude on July 27 but was delayed to allow Sheffield United to search for documents related to her medical records. The club's doctor had previously stated that Cusack's medical records from her time at the club were lost. The inquest heard that Cusack's family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United after her death, alleging issues stemming from her working relationship with coach Jonathan Morgan, whom her mother described as her 'nemesis.' Morgan had previously told the FA that Cusack was 'generally a liar.' The assistant coroner apologized for the delay and said several witnesses would be recalled when the inquest resumes.
BBC SportMaddy Cusack Inquest Adjourned to December for Evidence Search
The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, 27, has been adjourned until December 7 to allow the club to search for documents related to her medical records. Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Derbyshire on September 20, 2023, and pronounced dead the same day. The inquest, which began on June 29, was due to conclude on July 27. Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC apologized to the family for the delay. The inquest heard that Cusack's family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United after her death, alleging issues stemming from her working relationship with coach Jonathan Morgan, whom her mother described as her 'nemesis.' Morgan told the FA that Cusack was 'generally a liar.' The club's doctor previously stated that Cusack's medical records had been lost. The coroner will recall several witnesses when the inquest resumes, expected to last five days.
BBC SportInquest into Maddy Cusack’s death adjourned again after new documents lodged
The inquest into the death of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, who died on 20 September 2023 aged 27, has been adjourned for a second time in 2026. The hearing began on 29 June and had heard eight full days of evidence, with conclusions scheduled for 27 July. However, on 9 July, proceedings were delayed due to additional documents being lodged. The coroner stated that Dr. Basu (former club doctor) and Francesca Carr (former club physio) must be recalled for further evidence. This follows a previous adjournment in January 2026 after the family received 699 pages of new evidence from Sheffield United. The inquest has faced multiple delays since 2025, partly due to legal debates. Evidence has included testimony from Cusack's parents, teammates, and club staff, describing her as 'Miss Sheffield United' and a 'bubbly, lovely person'. The FA's investigation findings have been shared with the coroner but not made public.
Football | The GuardianInquest into Maddy Cusack's death adjourned again after new documents lodged
The inquest into the death of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, who died in September 2023 at age 27, has been adjourned for the second time in 2026 after new documents were lodged. The coroner announced the inquest will restart on December 7 and apologized to the family. The hearing, which began on June 29 and heard eight days of evidence, was scheduled to conclude in July. New documents require recalling former club doctor Dr. Subhasis Basu and former physio Francesca Carr, and possibly Cusack's GP. The coroner also seeks to call former assistant physio Sean Bowskill. The case has faced multiple delays since 2025, including a previous adjournment in January after the family received 699 pages of new evidence from Sheffield United. The court has heard evidence from family, teammates, club staff, and the FA. Issues with missing medical records have been repeatedly raised.
Football | The GuardianInquest into death of Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack adjourned again
The inquest into the death of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, who passed away in September 2023, has been adjourned until December 7. The coroner, Sophie Cartwright KC, has requested two witnesses who previously gave evidence to return for further questioning and may add another witness. The inquest, which began on June 29, has run for nine days, hearing from multiple witnesses including Cusack's parents, former women's team manager Jonathan Morgan, and club executives. The coroner initially hoped to conclude in six days but scheduled up to two weeks due to the volume of evidence. This is the second significant delay; the inquest was first adjourned on January 5 after a large submission of documents. The inquest heard that Sheffield United bosses knew midfielder Maddy Cusack had issues with her former coach before hiring him. Club head of football administration Carl Shieber testified that Morgan was 'transparent' about his relationship with Cusack, acknowledging difficulties at Leicester. The inquest also heard Morgan called Cusack 'bottom-heavy' and 'here come the girlfriends' when she walked with her partner.
SkySports | NewsMaddy Cusack asked former Sheffield United chaplain not to tell club about their talks, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's footballer Maddy Cusack heard that former club chaplain Dr Delroy Hall said she repeatedly asked him not to inform the club she was speaking to him. Cusack, found dead at her home in September 2023, spoke to Hall multiple times in August 2023, including on 23 August, and asked three or four times: 'Please don't tell anyone I'm talking to you.' Hall testified that Cusack struggled to juggle her football and marketing jobs, working seven days a week, and that he told her her hours were 'not sustainable.' He also mentioned she had to drive four hours to see her girlfriend. The court also heard from Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis and head of football administration Carl Shieber, who were questioned about delays in transitioning the women's team to full-time status, which caused stress. Shieber revealed that dropping women's team funding had been mentioned at one point, and that former head of women's football Zoe Johnson described manager Jonathan Morgan as 'a bit of a dick' during recruitment but recommended him.
Football | The GuardianMaddy Cusack and players were let down by Sheffield United, inquest told
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's player Maddy Cusack heard that the club let her down and mishandled the women's team's transition from part-time to full-time status in summer 2023. Former general manager Ian McCallum testified that the club was 'naive' about requirements for full-time women's football and that players 'deserved better.' McCallum said his frustration with the club's approach contributed to his departure. He confirmed under questioning that the club let Maddy down. The court also heard an email from former manager Zoe Johnson expressing reservations about appointing Jonathan Morgan as head coach, noting he 'doesn't have the greatest reputation.' Morgan, representing himself in court, questioned McCallum who said he never witnessed Morgan mistreat Cusack. Senior club executives are scheduled to testify. Cusack died on September 20, 2023, aged 27.
Football | The GuardianSheffield United let down Maddy Cusack and women's team, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's player Maddy Cusack heard that the club let her down and mishandled the women's team's transition to full-time status in summer 2023. Former general manager Ian McCallum testified that the club was 'naive' about requirements for full-time women's football and that players 'deserved better'. McCallum said his frustration over the club's approach contributed to his departure. The court also heard an email from former manager Zoe Johnson warning that newly appointed coach Jonathan Morgan 'doesn't have the greatest reputation'. McCallum stated he had no knowledge of Morgan's reputation beyond being 'strong-minded'. The inquest continues with senior club officials scheduled to testify.
Football | The GuardianSheffield United coach tells inquest he supported Maddy Cusack
Jonathan Morgan, former manager of Sheffield United's women's team, testified at the inquest into the death of midfielder Maddy Cusack, stating he supported her and was 'really happy' to keep her on the team. Cusack, 27, was found unresponsive at her home in September 2023. The inquest heard that Morgan made comments about her weight and relationship, which her family cited in a written complaint after her death. Morgan denied calling her a 'psycho' from the sidelines and said he helped her with training and contract terms. He acknowledged the team was in a relegation battle when he joined in February 2023, adding that Cusack was stressed about the situation. Morgan stated he passed her mental health concerns to the club doctor. The inquest continues.
SkySports | NewsCoach Jonathan Morgan tells inquest he was 'really happy' to have Maddy Cusack on Sheffield United team
Jonathan Morgan, coach of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, testified at an inquest into her death on September 20, 2023, at age 27. Morgan stated he was 'really happy' to have Cusack on his team, made her vice-captain as a 'sign of respect,' and offered her a full-time contract in May 2023. However, Cusack's family previously alleged issues with Morgan's behavior, including comments about her weight and relationship. Morgan had told the FA that Cusack was 'generally a liar.' The inquest heard Morgan expressed concerns about Cusack's wellbeing in August 2023 and asked the club doctor to speak with her, but did not raise concerns about self-harm or suicide. After a September 2023 phone call where Cusack mentioned GP-prescribed medication and time off, Morgan described the conversation as 'a positive step forward.' No documentation of that call was made.
BBC SportCoach Jonathan Morgan Testifies at Inquest into Maddy Cusack's Death
Jonathan Morgan, coach of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, gave evidence at an inquest into her death on September 20, 2023. Morgan described their last phone call on September 11, 2023, during which Cusack said she had visited a GP, received medication, and would take time off work. Morgan said he found the conversation a 'positive step forward' but did not document it. The inquest heard Morgan had previously expressed concerns about Cusack's wellbeing to the club doctor in August 2023 but did not raise the possibility of self-harm or suicide. Cusack's family has alleged issues stemming from her relationship with Morgan, with her mother calling him her 'nemesis.' The inquest continues.
BBC SportJonathan Morgan labelled Maddy Cusack ‘generally a liar’ in FA investigation, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's footballer Maddy Cusack heard that her former manager, Jonathan Morgan, labelled her 'generally a liar' during a Football Association investigation. Cusack died in September 2023 at age 27. Her parents believe Morgan contributed to her deteriorating mental health. Giving evidence, Morgan denied shouting at Cusack or calling her a 'psycho', but admitted calling her 'bottom-heavy' in a meeting, which he said referred to leg muscles. He defended his comments to the FA, claiming Cusack 'omitted information' about his support. Morgan acknowledged struggling to manage Cusack at Leicester City and said he asked an assistant to 'help me get the best out of her' at Sheffield United. The inquest also heard that Cusack's medical records were lost during a system switch. The FA investigation findings have not been published, but hundreds of pages of evidence were provided to the coroner.
Football | The GuardianCoach Told FA Maddy Cusack Was a Liar, Inquest Hears
An inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, 27, heard that coach Jonathan Morgan told the Football Association she was 'generally a liar'. Morgan, who coached Cusack from February 2023, gave evidence at Chesterfield Coroner's Court. He claimed Cusack 'omitted a lot of information' when speaking to her family about his behavior. The inquest previously heard from Cusack's partner and mother, who described Morgan as her 'nemesis' and alleged he made comments about her weight and relationship to control her. Morgan denied shouting at Cusack or trying to 'cut her down to size' by limiting her playing time. He also denied calling her girlfriend 'Mrs Cusack' in front of teammates, saying he made a 'tongue-in-cheek' comment. Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Derbyshire in September 2023.
BBC SportCoach told FA Maddy Cusack was 'generally a liar', inquest hears
An inquest into the death of former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, 27, heard that her coach Jonathan Morgan called her 'generally a liar' in an account to the Football Association after her death. Cusack was found unresponsive at her home in September 2023. Her family sent a written complaint to United alleging issues stemming from her relationship with Morgan, including comments about her weight and relationship with teammate Grace Riglar. Morgan denied calling Riglar 'Mrs Cusack' and said a comment about her being 'bottom heavy' referred to muscular legs. He claimed Cusack misinterpreted his remark that she looked 'much fitter' as calling her 'fat'. Morgan said there was 'nothing out of the ordinary' when he saw her after joining United, but acknowledged a 'level of anxiety'. The inquest continues.
SkySports | NewsCoach Told FA Maddy Cusack Was a Liar, Inquest Hears
An inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack, 27, heard that her coach Jonathan Morgan told the Football Association she was "generally a liar." Morgan, who coached Cusack from February 2023, gave evidence at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, claiming she omitted details about their relationship when speaking to her family. Cusack was found unconscious at her Derbyshire home on 20 September 2023 and pronounced dead the same day. The inquest previously heard from Cusack's partner and mother, who described Morgan as her "nemesis" and alleged he made comments about her weight and relationship to control her. Morgan denied shouting at Cusack and said he had no concerns about their relationship initially. He admitted telling her she was "too muscular, too bottom-heavy" for his playing style and noted she became "less bubbly" in August 2023. A former teammate said her death was "definitely preventable." The inquest continues.
BBC SportInquest Hears Concerns About Manager Jonathan Morgan Before Maddy Cusack's Death
The inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's footballer Maddy Cusack heard that former teammate Nina Wilson tried to escalate concerns about manager Jonathan Morgan before Cusack's death in 2023. Wilson testified that neither she nor Cusack knew the club's safeguarding officer, and that her concerns were dismissed with the response 'He's the manager.' She called for clearer whistleblowing routes and mandatory mental health education for coaches. Wilson ended her own career at age 25 due to similar experiences. However, other witnesses, including former assistant coach Luke Turner and player Naomi Hartley, said they did not witness bullying. The inquest also heard evidence of severe under-resourcing in the women's team, including lack of medical rooms and training facilities. Morgan is set to give evidence on Monday. Wilson described Cusack's death as 'definitely preventable.'
Football | The GuardianConcerns Raised About Jonathan Morgan Prior to Maddy Cusack's Death, Inquest Told
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's player Maddy Cusack heard that former teammate Nina Wilson tried to escalate concerns about manager Jonathan Morgan before Cusack's death in September 2023, but felt unheard. Wilson testified that neither she nor Cusack knew the club's safeguarding officer, and recommended clearer whistleblowing routes and mandatory mental health education for coaches. However, former assistant coach Luke Turner denied witnessing any bullying, and player Naomi Hartley said she saw intimidation but not bullying. The court also heard evidence of severe under-resourcing at the club during its transition to full-time status, with the team doctor forced to handle logistics and store medication at home. Wilson described Cusack as confident but noted a stark change in her demeanor after Morgan's appointment in February 2023. Morgan is scheduled to give evidence on Monday.
Football | The GuardianConcerns raised about Jonathan Morgan prior to Maddy Cusack's death, inquest told
An inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's player Maddy Cusack heard that former teammate Nina Wilson had tried to escalate concerns about manager Jonathan Morgan before Cusack's death in September 2023, but felt unheard. Wilson, who ended her own career at age 25 due to similar experiences, said neither she nor Cusack knew the club's safeguarding officer. She recommended clearer whistleblowing routes and mandatory mental health education for coaches. However, former assistant coach Luke Turner testified he never witnessed Morgan bullying Cusack or other players. The club's doctor described an under-resourced environment during the team's transition to full-time status. Morgan is scheduled to give evidence on Monday. Sheffield United's own investigation found no wrongdoing.
Football | The GuardianMaddy Cusack's Mother Says Fear of Blacklisting Hindered Reporting, Inquest Hears
The mother of Sheffield United women's footballer Maddy Cusack told an inquest that her daughter feared reporting grievances due to potential blacklisting, and that she would still be alive if Jonathan Morgan had not been appointed manager. Deborah Cusack testified that Morgan made her daughter feel she had to give up football, calling her 'bottom-heavy' and humiliating her. The inquest also heard of an 'industrial-scale' loss of sensitive medical data for women's footballers at multiple clubs, including missing records for Cusack. Club doctor Subhashis Basu admitted failing to adequately report the data breach. Cusack's mother criticized the PFA and FA for not checking on her daughter, and said the FA's Integrity phone line is ineffective as players fear being labeled troublemakers. Cusack was found dead at her family home on 20 September 2023.
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