The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack heard fresh evidence from her former coach, Jonathan Morgan. Cusack, 27, died in September 2023 after she was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire.
During the hearing at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court, Morgan addressed comments he previously made to the Football Association during its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cusack’s death. He admitted describing her as “generally a liar” but said his statement reflected what he believed happened after her death rather than their day to day working relationship.
Morgan Explains His Statement to the FA
Morgan told the court that he felt many claims about his relationship with Cusack lacked important context. He said she had left out details when discussing his support with family members and others.
According to Morgan, the information shared after her death presented only one side of the story. He said this influenced the comments he made while speaking with the FA.
He also rejected suggestions that he had treated Cusack unfairly or spoken aggressively toward her during their time together at either Sheffield United or Leicester City.
Family Raised Concerns After Her Death
The court heard that Cusack’s family submitted a formal complaint to Sheffield United in the week following her death. The complaint outlined concerns about Morgan’s conduct and his relationship with the player.
Earlier in the inquest, Cusack’s partner and teammate, Grace Riglar, said Cusack had felt anxious when Morgan joined Sheffield United because they had previously worked together at Leicester City.
Cusack’s mother, Deborah, also gave evidence. She described Morgan as her daughter’s “nemesis” and claimed he made remarks about Cusack’s weight and personal relationship. She believed those comments aimed to reduce her confidence and maintain control over her.
Coach Denies Mistreatment Claims
Morgan firmly denied the allegations. He told the court he never shouted at Cusack during their time at Sheffield United or Leicester City.
He also explained that Cusack’s limited appearances after his arrival were based on football decisions rather than personal issues.
Morgan said she was recovering from a foot injury when he became Sheffield United manager. Although she had recently completed a full match, he believed she still needed time before returning to regular action. He added that other players performed well during that period, making team selection more competitive.
He denied claims that he intentionally kept Cusack out of the squad to undermine her. Instead, he maintained that every selection decision reflected the player’s fitness and the team’s overall performance.
Inquest Continues
The inquest continues to examine the events leading up to Maddy Cusack’s death, including her experiences at Sheffield United and the concerns raised by her family, teammates, and former coach. The court is expected to hear additional evidence before reaching its conclusions.
