Former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack's coach called her a 'psycho' and engaged in mind games before her death, an inquest at Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard. The 27-year-old was found unconscious by her father at their family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, and died the same day.
Coach's Comments and Behavior
Jonathan Morgan, manager of United's women's team, made comments about Cusack's weight and relationship, causing her discomfort. Fellow professional footballer Grace Riglar, who played for United and was in a relationship with Cusack, testified that Cusack was 'anxious' about Morgan joining the club in February 2023, based on her previous experience with him at Leicester City.
Riglar stated: 'I think it was stuff she told me about her previous experience prior to Jonathan coming to Sheffield. She said that they played a game against a team while Jonathan was the manager. She had done something on the pitch and Jonathan called her a psycho from the sideline. I don't think she let anyone know those types of comments affected her but they did and they made her uncomfortable.'
Impact on Cusack's Well-being
Morgan's arrival was a major source of stress for Cusack, coinciding with her unhappiness at the club. Riglar noted that Cusack perceived not being in the starting line-up as a 'personal attack' and believed Morgan was 'playing mind games' by alternating her starting status. Riglar said: 'She was used to starting every game, she was an important member of the team. When Jonathan came, she was in and out from the starting team a bit. Her going from starting to being on the bench quite a lot, she saw that as a setback. That impacted her a lot.'
Morgan also made comments about Cusack's relationship with Riglar, calling Riglar 'Mrs Cusack' in front of other players, which Cusack found uncomfortable. Additionally, Morgan commented on Cusack's weight, leading her to change her eating and exercise habits, including skipping carbohydrates, breakfast, and doing extra runs after training, despite being 'one of the fittest players on the team,' according to Riglar.
Deteriorating Mental Health
Cusack became 'paranoid' at the start of the new season and felt she had no one to talk to without it getting back to Morgan. She obtained a sick note from a doctor for time off from football and her marketing job at United, and was prescribed anti-anxiety medication. Before her death, Cusack told Riglar she wanted to move to Dubai to be a flight attendant and had been searching for new jobs online. Riglar said: 'She didn't want to go back to playing football. I don't think she really knew how to get out of that situation.'
The inquest continues.
– Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
