Maddy Cusack expressed anxiety about her girlfriend moving to Sheffield United in February 2023, citing negative past experiences with a coach, according to testimony at an inquest.
Barker, Cusack's former club captain, told the inquest that Cusack felt "anxious" about Morgan joining United. Cusack had previously worked with Morgan at Leicester City and described him as unprofessional, telling Barker that he "sold her dreams that, when she went there, weren't real and he chatted a lot of rubbish."
However, the inquest heard that Cusack did not further discuss these specific issues related to Morgan with Barker. By June 2023, Barker observed that Cusack had become "quieter" and "more reserved," noting that her demeanor changed significantly from the previous season when she was "very bubbly."
Francesca Carr, who was the head physiotherapist for United's women's team at the time, also testified. Carr stated that she did not have concerns about Cusack's mental health and indicated that there were other players she was more concerned about from a mental health or coping perspective. Carr did recall an incident where Cusack became excessively upset, bursting into tears after going to the wrong training ground, which she found to be an "excessive" reaction.
The inquest had previously heard that Cusack believed Morgan made a "personal attack" by not selecting her for the starting lineup in matches. Morgan, representing himself at the inquest, questioned Carr about the decision not to start Cusack in his first competitive game, asking if it was in her "best interests" due to an ankle injury. Carr affirmed that her not playing was indeed in her best interests.