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Sheffield United's Maddy Cusack inquest has revealed shocking details about the behaviour of manager Jonathan Morgan. Maddy Cusack's father, David Cusack, told the inquest that Morgan's behaviour was the principal reason for his daughter's mental health decline.
What happened?
Maddy Cusack was found dead at her family home in Derbyshire on 20 September 2023, at the age of 27. Her father claimed that Morgan's managerial style was 'my way or the highway'.
Why it matters for Sheffield United
The inquest has raised questions about the club's handling of the situation and whether they backed the wrong manager. Morgan was sacked by Sheffield United in February 2024.
What comes next?
The inquest will continue with more witnesses, including Cusack's partner and mother, as well as staff from Sheffield United. Morgan is scheduled to give evidence to the court in the week commencing next Monday.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 September 2023 | Maddy Cusack found dead |
| February 2023 | Jonathan Morgan appointed manager of Sheffield United |
| February 2024 | Morgan sacked by Sheffield United |
David Cusack told the court that his daughter had been dismayed by the possibility of Morgan coming back into her life. She had played under Morgan at Leicester for a brief spell in 2018. Morgan disputed the father's description of Maddy Cusack having not played in his first three games in charge. He claimed that the reason she had not started was that she had been dealing with an injury.
The club's own investigation, which concluded in December 2023, found no evidence of wrongdoing. However, David Cusack claimed that the club had 'backed the wrong horse' by not immediately suspending Morgan. He added that 'other narratives being pushed around' were a 'smokescreen' and he wanted Morgan to be 'held responsible'.
Morgan asked David Cusack more than 60 questions during the inquest. He drew shocked expressions from many of the player's family and friends present in the courtroom when he asked David Cusack: 'The statistics showed there were more wins without Maddy in the team, than with her in it – what would you have done?' To which her father replied: 'I'm not a football coach, I've no idea. I've never interfered [with any coach's team selections]. You and I have hardly spoken.',
Cusack, the first player to reach 100 appearances for Sheffield United's women, worked in the club's marketing department as well as playing full-time after signing a professional contract in the summer of 2023. That contract gave her earnings of £18,000 a year from her football, up from just £6,000 during the previous season when playing part-time.
