Fresh testimony at the inquest into the death of former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack has heard a former teammate argue that the departure of Cusack’s girlfriend to another club played the biggest role in the player‘s declining mental health, rather than events within the football club.
Proceedings at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court continue to examine the circumstances leading to Cusack’s death in September 2023, with witnesses offering differing perspectives on the challenges she experienced during her final months.
Captain Believes Relationship Separation Had Greatest Emotional Impact
Former Sheffield United women’s captain Sophie Barker told the inquest that she believed Cusack was deeply affected when her girlfriend, Grace Riglar, transferred away from the club.
According to Barker, Cusack became distressed after learning Riglar would be relocating to continue her career elsewhere.
She described Cusack as being deeply devoted to her partner and said she had tried to reassure her that the move did not mean their relationship had ended.
Barker recalled later telling Cusack’s family that she believed the footballer might still be alive if Riglar had remained nearby, maintaining that the relocation had a profound emotional effect.
Riglar left Sheffield United to join Lewes FC in Brighton in July 2023.
Cusack died two months later after being found unresponsive at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, by her father on September 20, 2023.
Family’s Legal Team Points to Other Possible Causes
During questioning, counsel representing Cusack’s family suggested alternative explanations for her deteriorating mental health.
The family’s representative argued that the conduct of Sheffield United women’s head coach Jonathan Morgan, together with what was described as insufficient support while Cusack balanced her full-time playing career and a marketing role at the club, were more significant contributing factors.
Barker disagreed with that assessment, maintaining that Riglar’s departure remained, in her opinion, the principal reason behind Cusack’s emotional decline.
The court has previously heard that Cusack’s family submitted a written complaint raising concerns about Morgan’s conduct and its alleged impact on her wellbeing.
Previous Concerns About the Head Coach Discussed
Barker also testified that Cusack had expressed anxiety when Morgan was appointed Sheffield United women’s head coach in February 2023, citing negative experiences from their earlier time together at Leicester City.
According to Barker, Cusack described Morgan as unprofessional and said promises made during her previous spell under him had failed to materialize.
Despite those reservations, Barker told the court that Cusack intended to give him another opportunity and focus on her football.
She added that Cusack never later discussed fresh concerns about Morgan with her directly, leading Barker to believe either she had deliberately kept quiet or avoided raising issues because she knew Barker would confront the coach on her behalf. Barker described Cusack as someone who disliked conflict.
Earlier evidence presented to the inquest alleged that Cusack believed Morgan was playing “mind games” with her and had made remarks concerning both her weight and her relationship with Riglar.
Witnesses Describe Noticeable Changes in Cusack’s Personality
Barker said she observed a significant change in Cusack’s behaviour during the summer of 2023.
Once known as an outgoing and energetic presence within the squad, Cusack became noticeably quieter and increasingly withdrawn.
She recalled that her teammate would typically arrive for training, complete her work, and leave without engaging socially with others, describing it as a stark contrast to the personality she had displayed during the previous season.
Physiotherapist Recounts Emotional Incident
The inquest also heard evidence from former Sheffield United women’s head physiotherapist Francesca Carr, who told the court she had not considered Cusack to be among the players she worried about most from a mental health perspective.
However, Carr recalled one occasion that stood out.
After Cusack mistakenly went to the wrong training venue, Carr phoned to redirect her.
She told the court that Cusack immediately broke down in tears during the call, a reaction she considered unusually intense for what had happened and one that suggested deeper emotional distress.
Injury Management and Team Selection Also Examined
The hearing also revisited decisions surrounding Cusack’s playing time after an ankle injury.
Representing himself, Morgan questioned Carr about the decision not to include Cusack in the starting line-up for his first competitive match as head coach.
Carr responded that the decision had been made collaboratively and was intended to protect the player’s recovery.
She told the court that, in her professional opinion, Cusack had attempted to return to full fitness too quickly following the injury.
When questioned by legal representatives for Sheffield United, Carr said she never heard Cusack complain directly about Morgan during the summer of 2023.
Inquest Remains Ongoing
The inquest continues as the coroner hears further testimony from witnesses in an effort to establish the circumstances surrounding Cusack’s death.
Evidence presented so far has highlighted differing opinions over the factors that may have contributed to the footballer’s declining mental health, with personal relationships, workplace experiences, and physical recovery all forming part of the ongoing examination.
