​Bosses at Sheffield United were aware that player Maddy Cusack had issues with her former coach before he was recruited to manage the women’s team, an inquest into her death has heard. Cusack, 27, was found unconscious by her father, David, at the family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 and pronounced dead that day.
Carl Shieber, head of football administration at Sheffield United, gave evidence at the inquest held at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday. He revealed he received an email from Zoe Johnson, the former head of women’s football, prior to Jonathan Morgan’s interview. The email described Morgan as having a “good CV” but noted he did not have “the greatest reputation.” In the week after Cusack’s death, the family sent a written complaint to the club detailing issues allegedly arising from her relationship with Morgan.
Morgan had been Cusack’s coach from February 2023 while she was at Sheffield United. The inquest also heard from Grace Riglar, a teammate who was in a relationship with Cusack, who said Cusack was “anxious” about Morgan joining the club after her experience working with him at Leicester City. Cusack’s mother, Deborah, described Morgan as her daughter’s “nemesis,” alleging he had made remarks about her weight and about her relationship, intended to “cut her down to size” and keep her “in control.”
On Monday, the inquest heard Morgan had told the Football Association that Cusack was “generally a liar,” claiming she had “omitted a lot of information” when speaking to her family about his behavior. He told the inquest on Tuesday that he had offered Cusack a full-time contract at the club and was “really happy” to have her on his team.
Tributes from football players and supporters followed Cusack’s death. Giving evidence on Wednesday, Shieber said he asked Johnson to clarify what she meant by the comment that Morgan did not have the “greatest reputation,” specifically referencing a “personal comment” on the touchline.
In cross-examination, Morgan asked Shieber whether it was “uncommon” for coaches to have an “isolated spat.” Shieber responded that it was not uncommon. He told the inquest that Morgan had mentioned Cusack, along with a couple of other players he had previously worked with, in his interview. The inquest heard that Morgan acknowledged there had been difficulties with Cusack at Leicester, which he said he had resolved and was capable of working professionally with her.
Shieber said he believed Morgan had been “transparent” about his relationship with Cusack. The inquest heard that previous issues between the pair were related to “selection,” which Shieber described as not unusual for players and managers. He added that Morgan had said their paths had crossed in the past, with some moments or issues arising, but he indicated that Morgan’s overall account suggested a professional capacity to work with Cusack.
The proceedings continued as the inquest explored the dynamics between Cusack, Morgan, and the club, including the nature of communications and the impact of any alleged incidents on Cusack’s well-being.