Maddy Cusack, a former Sheffield United and Leicester City footballer, was "dismayed" that her previous coach was joining her club months before her death, her father told an inquest held on June 29. The 27-year-old was found unresponsive at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023.
Father Details Daughter's Fears
David Cusack told Chesterfield Coroner's Court that his daughter feared being stigmatised and ridiculed at Sheffield United after head coach Jonathan Morgan joined the club in February 2023. Ms Cusack had previously worked with Mr Morgan at Leicester City, where she said life had been made "unpleasant" for her.
Mr Cusack said his daughter was "so happy" to leave Leicester and was "loving life" until Mr Morgan became her coach again at Sheffield United. He described Mr Morgan as a character his daughter had "never come across before", particularly in the "way he dealt with people". Ms Cusack had joined Sheffield United in January 2019, where she also worked part-time in the club's marketing team.
Contract Issues and Mental Health
The inquest heard that Ms Cusack stopped being strict about her healthy diet before her death, with her father saying: "I think, towards the end, she was demotivated." He also noted that she was "fretting" about her contract in the summer of 2023, which was "strung out most of the summer". When she signed a full-time playing contract, she found it difficult to combine training with her marketing job, and the pay was less than the previous year.
Mr Cusack said his daughter felt she had "no future" and believed that if she used her mental health as an "excuse", she "would be out" of the team. Sheffield United did not offer psychotherapy or other support, and she was given a sick note by a doctor. She was also prescribed medication.
Family's Complaint and Club Investigation
Mr Cusack said the family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United outlining issues allegedly stemming from his daughter's relationship with Mr Morgan, who was in the "firing line". He stated: "After she passed away, we wanted – and still want – those we think are responsible to be held responsible."
Sheffield United conducted its own investigation, which concluded in December 2023 and found no evidence of wrongdoing. The inquest continues.
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