An inquest into the death of former Sheffield United vice-captain Maddy Cusack has heard that the footballer was reluctant to reveal her mental health struggles because she feared being judged and sidelined by her club and head coach.
The 27-year-old was found dead at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023.
Nearly three years later, proceedings at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court are examining the circumstances leading up to her death.
Father Says Coaching Appointment Changed Everything
Giving evidence, Maddy’s father, David Cusack, described the appointment of Jonathan Morgan as Sheffield United head coach in February 2022 as a major turning point in his daughter’s life.
According to David, Maddy had previously worked under Morgan during her time at Leicester City and had left that club because of what he described as a difficult working relationship.
He told the court that his daughter believed Morgan’s arrival at Sheffield United marked the beginning of another challenging period in her career, leaving her deeply unsettled.
Morgan, who attended the hearing, has denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier Departure From Leicester Revisited
David Cusack told the inquest that his daughter chose to leave Leicester City in 2018 after becoming unhappy in an environment he described as increasingly unpleasant.
He alleged that some players were made to feel unwelcome as the club reshaped its squad before a change in ownership, prompting Maddy to walk away despite sacrificing the remainder of her contract.
Leaving Leicester, he said, gave her the opportunity to rebuild both personally and professionally.
Sheffield United Initially Offered a Fresh Start
Following her move to Sheffield United in 2019, Maddy flourished both on and off the pitch.
She became the club’s first women’s player to reach 100 appearances, balanced football with work in the club’s Community Trust, later joined its marketing department, and earned praise from previous managers Carla Ward and Neil Redfearn.
Her father described those years as some of the happiest of her career, adding that she was proud to have purchased her own home and remained highly dedicated to football while also graduating from the University of Derby with first-class honours.
Contract Uncertainty Added to Growing Pressure
The court heard that uncertainty surrounding Maddy’s contract during 2023 contributed to mounting anxiety.
Although she was eventually offered a full-time playing contract, David said the negotiations were delayed and left his daughter feeling uncertain about her future.
Her annual football salary increased from £6,000 to £18,000, but she continued working in Sheffield United’s marketing department to supplement her income.
According to her father, juggling two demanding roles became increasingly difficult as training schedules frequently changed with little notice, making it harder for her to meet expectations in both jobs.
Signs of Emotional Struggle Emerged
David Cusack told the inquest he noticed significant changes in his daughter’s behaviour during the months before her death.
He said she gradually lost her enthusiasm, became anxious and appeared emotionally exhausted as she struggled to balance football and work responsibilities.
He also suggested that her relationship with Morgan remained at the centre of her concerns, despite other challenges, including her partner and teammate Grace Riglar leaving Sheffield United to join Lewes.
Mental Health Concerns Kept Private
The inquest heard that Maddy’s family arranged private psychotherapy after becoming concerned about her mental wellbeing.
She was also prescribed antidepressants and medication to help her sleep.
However, David said his daughter deliberately chose not to inform Sheffield United or Morgan about her mental health struggles because she feared doing so would negatively affect her position at the club.
He told the court that Maddy believed admitting she was struggling could result in her being viewed differently or excluded, even though he stressed this reflected her fears rather than any confirmed action by the club.
Coach Rejects Allegations
Jonathan Morgan rejected suggestions that he mistreated Maddy or failed to support her.
Representing himself during the proceedings, he told the court he had worked to secure her new contract, believed she would enjoy her strongest season yet and had shown confidence in her by appointing her vice-captain.
Morgan also disputed claims about his management style, arguing that some witnesses had been selectively approached to present an unfair picture of his conduct.
David Cusack responded that several former players had contacted the family independently, describing an environment where relationships with the coaching staff could deteriorate quickly if players fell out of favour.
Family Filed Complaint After Her Death
Less than a week after Maddy died, her family submitted a formal complaint to Sheffield United outlining concerns about her treatment and wellbeing.
David told the court he wanted the club to understand what had happened and believed questions needed to be answered regarding the circumstances leading up to her death.
He also rejected suggestions that financial concerns or uncertainty surrounding her sexuality were central factors, insisting they distracted from what the family believes was the primary issue.
Internal Investigation Found No Misconduct
Following the complaint, Sheffield United launched an internal investigation that concluded in December 2023.
The review found no evidence of misconduct by the club or its staff.
Several months later, in February 2024, Morgan was dismissed by Sheffield United after information emerged about a past relationship with a player during his previous spell at Leicester City.
The club stated that his dismissal was unrelated to an ongoing Football Association investigation, although the decision was welcomed by the Cusack family.
