Coach Called Maddy Cusack 'Generally a Liar,' Inquest Hears
Maddy Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 by her father, David. She was pronounced dead the same day.
Jonathan Morgan, who coached Cusack from February 2023 during her time at Sheffield United, provided evidence at a two-week inquest held at Chesterfield Coroner's Court on Monday.
The inquest revealed that Morgan told the Football Association (FA) that Cusack was "generally a liar," a claim he made in an account given to the FA. Morgan stated that Cusack had "omitted a lot of information" when discussing his behaviour with her family.
Previously, Grace Riglar, a teammate and Cusack's partner, testified that Cusack was "anxious" about Morgan joining Sheffield United due to her prior experience with him at Leicester City.
Cusack's mother, Deborah, described Morgan as her daughter's "nemesis," stating he had made remarks about Cusack's weight and personal relationships intended to "cut her down to size" and maintain "control."
During his testimony, Morgan said he had no concerns about his relationship with Cusack upon joining Sheffield United as manager. The inquest also heard that Morgan had previously released Cusack when he was a coach at Leicester City.
'Less Bubbly'
The inquest further revealed that Morgan had provided an account of his relationship with Cusack to the FA as part of the investigation following her death.
"There's definitely evidence to show Maddy omitted information from her family about my support of her," Morgan said.
When questioned about his communication style with Cusack, Morgan stated,
"I never shouted at Maddy Cusack at Sheffield United. I've never shouted directly at Maddy at Leicester City. Maddy left Leicester in the January transfer window - it wasn't my wish, I don't think it was Maddy's wish either."
The inquest also heard that Cusack approached Morgan on his first day at Sheffield United's training ground and gave him a hug.
Regarding Cusack's limited playing time after Morgan's arrival, he explained that she was recovering from a foot injury initially and was not selected until his fourth game due to the form of other players.
Morgan testified that Cusack disclosed her relationship with Riglar to the entire team at his request. Shortly after, he made a joke about the couple on the training pitch, which the women responded to with laughter and a joke about his weight.
When asked about a specific comment made during a meeting, Morgan said he told Cusack she was "too muscular, too bottom-heavy" to perform the number of sprints required by his style of football.
Following this, Cusack's strength and conditioning training was adjusted, resulting in improved running performance by the end of the season.
Morgan noted a change in Cusack's behaviour starting in August 2023, describing her as "less bubbly, less energetic." He arranged a meeting with her on 4 September and subsequently contacted the club doctor, expressing concern that "something was bothering Maddy" and that she might need assistance.
Earlier in the inquest, former teammate Nina Wilson described Cusack's death as "definitely preventable." Wilson stated that Morgan, who is representing himself at the inquest, had caused several players to feel "ostracised and isolated."
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