Former Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack was reportedly troubled months before her death by the arrival of a former coach joining her team, an inquest heard on June 29 at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court. Cusack, 27, was found unresponsive at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023.

David Cusack, Maddy’s father, told the court that his daughter was “dismayed” by Jonathan Morgan’s appointment as head coach of the Sheffield United women’s team in February 2023. The family submitted a written complaint to the club alleging issues related to her relationship with Morgan, whom she had first encountered at Leicester City. According to her father, Maddy had been "so happy" to leave Leicester—where Morgan also coached—and was "loving life" until his arrival at Sheffield United.

David Cusack described how Maddy feared being stigmatised and ridiculed at the club after Morgan joined, and indicated that the situation had made her life “unpleasant” during her time at Leicester. He said his daughter had never encountered a personality like Morgan’s before, implying that their relationship had a significant impact on her well-being. The family viewed Morgan as a central figure in their concerns.

Jonathan Morgan, who is representing himself in the inquest, questioned David Cusack about the reasons behind Maddy’s departure from Leicester City, suggesting it was related to a hamstring injury that limited her ability to play. David Cusack, however, responded that he believed the lack of match appearances was more due to a "clash of personalities" than physical injury.

Sheffield United conducted an internal investigation following the family’s complaint but reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing by Morgan. The inquest into Cusack’s death is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.