An inquest at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court heard Tuesday that former Sheffield United women’s manager Jonathan Morgan called midfielder Maddy Cusack a “psycho” from the sidelines. Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023, and died the same day.
Grace Riglar, a fellow Sheffield United player and Cusack’s partner, testified that Morgan’s appointment in February 2023 triggered severe anxiety for the midfielder. Riglar detailed a pattern of behavior, stating Morgan played “mind games” by unexpectedly dropping Cusack from the starting lineup. Cusack viewed the decisions as a “personal attack,” according to Sky Sports reporting.
The inquest heard Morgan also made inappropriate comments about Cusack’s weight. This led her to drastically alter her diet by cutting carbohydrates and taking extra runs. He also made her uncomfortable by referring to Riglar as “Mrs Cusack” in front of the team. Prior to her death, Cusack obtained a doctor’s sick note, was prescribed anti-anxiety medication, and expressed a desire to quit football entirely to become a flight attendant in Dubai.
Sheffield United sacked Morgan in February 2024 following revelations regarding a relationship he had with a player during his previous tenure at Leicester City. He is representing himself at the ongoing inquest. The Football Association conducted an investigation into the matter and shared its report with the coroner, according to an ITV report. The FA’s findings will remain unpublished until the inquest formally concludes.