Full Breakdown
Inquest into Maddy Cusack’s Death Scrutinises Coach Jonathan Morgan’s Conduct and Club Procedures
7/8/2026, 4:56:37 AM
Core Event and Timeline
Former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 and pronounced dead. She had accepted a full-time contract offered on 5 May 2023. Head coach Jonathan Morgan, appointed in February 2023, reported in August that Cusack was “not well” and asked club doctor Dr Subhasis Basu to see her. Cusack messaged Morgan on 6 September that she would miss training, repeated her unavailability on 8 September, and spoke by phone on 11 September, saying a GP visit and medication had been arranged. Morgan said the call gave “enough reassurance” but no written record was made. The coroner’s inquest began on 6 July 2024.
Official Statements & Club Response
During the inquest, Morgan said he believed Cusack was “happy and positive” after the contract offer and that the 11 September call gave “enough reassurance”. He confirmed Dr Subhasis Basu had spoken with Cusack and that he updated the doctor, but no written record of the conversation was made. When asked about involving Sheffield United’s human-resources function, Morgan said he “escalated to who I thought was the right person” and did not notify HR. Sheffield United’s counsel, Joseph O’Brien KC, asked whether Morgan derived comfort from the doctor’s involvement; Morgan affirmed, describing Basu as “very good” and “experienced”.
Criticism, Family Allegations, and Conflicting Accounts
Deborah Cusack, Maddy’s mother, called Morgan her daughter’s “nemesis” and alleged he made weight-related remarks to “cut her down to size”. The family filed a written complaint to Sheffield United alleging intimidation and a contribution to Maddy’s distress. Grace Riglar, a teammate, testified that Cusack was anxious about Morgan’s return, recalling a difficult period at Leicester City. Morgan described Cusack as “generally a liar” and said she “omitted a lot of information” when discussing his conduct. The inquest noted that Morgan’s claim of escalating concerns did not include notifying HR, and his comment that the phone call gave reassurance conflicted with his statement that he would not use the word “reassured”. No written record of the 11 September conversation exists, creating a documentary gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wanted her in my senior leadership team, I wanted her opinions.” — Jonathan Morgan, Sheffield United head coach
- “You would not make someone vice-captain if you felt you did not have a good relationship with them.” — Jonathan Morgan, Sheffield United head coach
- “Cusack's mother Deborah described Morganas her daughter's "nemesis", adding he had made comments about her weight and relationship to "cut her down to size" and be "in control".” — Deborah Cusack, mother of Maddy Cusack
- “When asked whether he felt "reassured" by their conversation, Morgan said: "I wouldn't use the word reassured, but the information she gave me was a positive step forward, in my opinion.” — Jonathan Morgan, Sheffield United head coach
Implications and Next Steps
The coroner’s inquiry will continue to determine whether procedural shortcomings contributed to Cusack’s death. Sheffield United has said it will review its mental-health support and HR escalation processes. Additional testimony may be called to clarify internal communications and assess whether further regulatory action is required.
