The inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's player Maddy Cusack has been delayed for at least five months, the Coroner's Court in Chesterfield was told. The family of Cusack, who was found dead at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, at the age of 27, have been awaiting answers for nearly three years.
During eight days of hearings, the court heard evidence related to Cusack's mental health struggles in the weeks leading up to her death. She had been signed off sick by Sheffield United and was receiving help from various sources, including the club doctor, a private GP, and a psychology lecturer. She had been prescribed anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills, and her mother, Deborah, testified that Cusack did not want her mental health issues to be known by the club's manager, Jonathan Morgan.
Deborah Cusack described her daughter as having been in good spirits days before her death, but her father, David, stated that the family believed she was depressed, not suicidal. The family lodged a complaint with Sheffield United a week after Maddy's death, citing issues stemming from her treatment by Morgan. A subsequent third-party investigation commissioned by the club found no evidence of wrongdoing, and the Football Association (FA) also launched its own investigation, the findings of which are part of the evidence before the coroner.
Morgan was dismissed by Sheffield United in February 2024 after details of a relationship he had with a player at a previous club, Leicester City, emerged. The club stated his dismissal was unrelated to the FA investigation.
The inquest has faced numerous delays. In 2025, the family raised concerns about a lack of transparency regarding the FA report, which contained significant redactions. A January date for the inquest was set, but 10 days before Christmas, Sheffield United submitted 699 pages of new evidence, which the family's lawyers deemed unacceptable, though the coroner ruled the club had complied with directions. The current delay is attributed to additional documents being lodged and further witnesses needing to be called.
During the proceedings, witnesses described Cusack as a dedicated athlete and an inspiration, noting her representation of England at youth level and her role as 'Miss Sheffield United.' Her family highlighted her career progression, from youth spells to signing her first professional contract with Leicester in 2019 under Morgan. They recounted her decision to leave Leicester due to difficulties with Morgan, whom David Cusack described as a character she had never encountered before in football. Morgan, who represented himself at the inquest, stated their differences at Leicester were due to a gap in expectations.
At Sheffield United, Cusack worked in the club's marketing department and became a key player, described as 'the first name on the team sheet' by 2023. Her mother characterized Morgan as her daughter's 'nemesis,' alleging he sought to control her and 'cut her down to size.' Former teammates described a group chat where players referred to being 'imprisoned' by Morgan, who they called a 'prison warden.'
Testimony regarding allegations of bullying and fat-shaming was presented. The family stated Morgan had called Cusack a 'psycho' at a previous club and made comments about her weight. Morgan's former assistant and the club doctor stated they had not witnessed him bullying Cusack. Morgan denied calling Cusack