An inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack has heard evidence from her former partner, who claimed the Sheffield United midfielder became increasingly anxious following the arrival of coach Jonathan Morgan at the club.
Cusack, 27, was found dead at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023.
An inquest at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Giving evidence, former Sheffield United player Grace Riglar told the court Cusack had been worried when Morgan joined the club in February 2023, having previously worked under him during his time at Leicester City.
Riglar said Cusack had spoken about an earlier incident in which she alleged Morgan called her a “psycho” from the touchline during a match.
“I think she said that they played a game against a team while Jonathan was the manager. She had done something on the pitch and Jonathan called her a psycho from the sideline,” Riglar told the inquest.
“I don’t think she let anyone know those types of comments affected her but they did and they made her uncomfortable.”
Riglar also told the court that Cusack viewed changes to her role in the Sheffield United team as personally upsetting after Morgan’s arrival.
An inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack has heard evidence from her former partner, who claimed the Sheffield United midfielder became increasingly anxious following the arrival of coach Jonathan Morgan at the club
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“She was used to starting every game, she was an important member of the team. When Jonathan came, she was in and out from the starting team a bit,” she said.
“I just think she almost felt like it was a bit of a personal attack and that Jonathan was playing mind games with her by starting her one week and dropping her the next.
“She just felt those little things were intentional.”
The court heard these were Cusack’s perceptions, as described by Riglar during her evidence.
Sheffield United found no evidence of any wrongdoing after investigating Jonathan Morgan
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Riglar further alleged Morgan referred to her as “Mrs Cusack” in front of teammates, despite the couple wishing to keep their relationship private within the football environment.
She told the court: “She found it uncomfortable when Jonathan would call me ‘Mrs Cusack’, especially in front of other players.
“We wanted to keep our relationship very professional. The football side and relationship side were very separate.”
The inquest also heard claims that comments allegedly made about Cusack’s weight affected her eating and exercise habits.
According to Riglar’s evidence, Cusack reduced her carbohydrate intake, skipped breakfast and undertook additional running sessions after training, despite being regarded as one of the fittest members of the squad.
Riglar also told the hearing that, before her death, Cusack had spoken about leaving football altogether and pursuing a different career.
“She didn’t want to go back to playing football. I don’t think she really knew how to get out of that situation,” she said, adding that Cusack had discussed the possibility of moving to Dubai to become a flight attendant.
Earlier in the proceedings, Cusack’s father, David, described his daughter’s reaction when she learned Morgan could be joining Sheffield United.
Maddy Cusack’s family, friends and team-mates continue to morn the Sheffield United star
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He told the court she was “dismayed by the possibility of him coming back into her life”, although he said he had encouraged her to view it as a fresh start.
David Cusack also gave evidence that his daughter appeared “demotivated” in the period before her death, while stressing she had not “let herself go”.
The court heard Sheffield United did not provide psychotherapy or other mental health support, although Cusack had received a medical certificate from her doctor allowing time away from work.
Following her death, David Cusack told the inquest the family “wanted – and still want – those we think are responsible to be held responsible.”
Following an internal investigation completed in December 2023, Sheffield United said it found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The inquest continues.
