Inquest Hears Mother's Testimony Regarding Coach's Impact on Maddy Cusack
During an inquest, the mother of Maddy Cusack, a former Sheffield United footballer, stated that her daughter's death could have been prevented had the women's team coach, Jonathan Morgan, not been part of the club. Maddy Cusack, 27, was discovered unconscious at her family residence in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, and passed away on the same day.
Chesterfield Coroner's Court was informed that the Cusack family had previously raised concerns about head coach Jonathan Morgan, who joined the club in February 2023, citing issues allegedly stemming from his relationship with Maddy.
Allegations of Disparaging Remarks and Control
Deborah Cusack, Maddy's mother, testified that Morgan made comments regarding her daughter's weight and relationship, which she perceived as an attempt to "cut her down to size" and exert "control." During cross-examination by Morgan, who is representing himself, Deborah Cusack articulated, "You need to understand I'm not blaming you for what she did, but you made her feel how she felt." She added, "There's a direct line - if you hadn't been employed, Maddy would be here today."
The court heard previous accounts suggesting that Maddy's time at Leicester City was made "unpleasant" by coach Morgan, leading her to be "so happy to leave" in 2019 for Sheffield United. However, the inquest was told that Maddy was "dismayed" to learn of Morgan's appointment at the Blades in February 2023.
"Madeleine said she felt like history was repeating itself. She was devastated, it was like her nemesis returning... we'd never come across a character like that before." - Deborah Cusack
Deborah Cusack stated that her daughter "lived and breathed" for Sheffield United, and shortly before Morgan's arrival, Maddy had become a prominent figure for the club, even featuring on a "massive" billboard.
Impact on Mental Well-being and Career Concerns
The inquest also heard that Morgan allegedly referred to Maddy as "bottom heavy" after joining the club, which reportedly led her to intensify efforts to "get fitter and thinner" through altered eating habits and increased running. Deborah Cusack refuted suggestions that her daughter had prior mental health issues, describing her as a "bright, bubbly confident girl."
Former team captain Sophie Barker testified that Maddy's mental health issues were primarily due to her girlfriend, Grace Riglar, moving to a different club. Deborah Cusack dismissed this, stating it was an "opinion of someone who had a fractured relationship with Madeleine for many months before." She also mentioned that Maddy would have been "absolutely humiliated" when Morgan allegedly called Riglar "Mrs Cusack" in front of teammates, as Maddy preferred to keep her relationship private.
Concerns were raised that if Maddy had to stop playing for Sheffield United, it would "compromise her job" in the marketing department. Text messages from Maddy to her mother were read, including one stating, "Had it been any other manager, I wouldn't feel like this." Another message revealed Maddy's belief that the club would not support her over Morgan, saying, "They don't care about women's football, I will only make it worse."
Contract Issues and Stigma Fears
Deborah Cusack described the contract process for Maddy's full-time role in June 2023 as "shambolic." She explained that Maddy was "anxious" about balancing her roles, especially as her combined salary was less than before. She also shared that players sidelined by Morgan would communicate to support each other, with Maddy likening their situation to being "in prison."
Maddy was taken to her GP but expressed concerns about being stigmatized if she were signed off work for mental health reasons. Consequently, she was signed off as being "generally unwell." The inquest is ongoing.
Source: Original Article
