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Inquest Told Maddy Cusack Was 'Dismayed' After Former Coach Returned to Sheffield United

Family and teammates have given evidence that coach behaviour, contract delays and club support failures worsened her anxiety while the FA report sits with the coroner.

Overview

  • Maddy Cusack, 27, was found dead at her home in Horsley on 20 September 2023 and an inquest into her death is taking place at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court.
  • Her father told the court she was “dismayed” when Jonathan Morgan rejoined Sheffield United in February 2023 and said contract uncertainty and a rushed move to full‑time play from summer 2023 left her anxious and demotivated.
  • Former team‑mate and partner Grace Riglar described comments she says Morgan made, including calling Cusack a “psycho” from the touchline and criticising her weight and relationship, which Riglar said made Cusack uncomfortable and anxious.
  • Sheffield United’s internal review, completed in December 2023, found no evidence of wrongdoing; the FA opened a separate inquiry in January 2024 and its report has been provided to the coroner but is not yet published.
  • The Cusack family say they seek accountability and wider change, and reporting has highlighted how low pay, dual job pressures and fear of stigma can leave women players vulnerable.