Morgan's Damning FA Account Revealed
The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack heard on Monday that her coach, Jonathan Morgan, described her as " generally a liar" in a statement to the Football Association after her death. Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 and pronounced dead the same day.
Morgan, who had managed Cusack at both Leicester City and Sheffield United, was giving evidence at Chesterfield Coroner's Court. When asked by Dean Armstrong KC, representing Cusack's family, Morgan said the comment was made because she " omitted a lot of information" when speaking to her family about his behaviour.
" In terms of the scenarios since Maddy passed away, I genuinely feel things have not been portrayed factually or correctly with how she was feeling. With the lying comment, it was based on the back of things after Maddy passed away. It became evident she omitted things to her family and others that I had supported her with," Morgan told the court.
Family's Allegations of Control and Cruelty
The inquest has previously heard emotional testimony from Cusack's family and her partner, Grace Riglar, who also played for Sheffield United. Riglar said Cusack was " anxious" about Morgan joining the club due to her previous experience working with him at Leicester City. Cusack's mother, Deborah, called Morgan her daughter's " nemesis" and alleged he made comments about her weight and relationship to " cut her down to size" and be " in control."
The family had sent a written complaint to Sheffield United after Cusack's death, outlining issues allegedly stemming from her relationship with Morgan. The FA investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death later received Morgan's account, which included the " generally a liar" remark.
Coach Defends Selection and Training Comments
Morgan denied trying to assert control by limiting Cusack's playing time, insisting she was recovering from a foot injury when he arrived. However, the court heard the midfielder had played a full 90 minutes the week before his appointment. He later attributed her absence from the team to the form of other players.
When questioned about a comment he made to Cusack regarding her physique, Morgan stated he had told her she was " too muscular, too bottom-heavy" to meet the sprint demands of his tactical approach. Her strength and conditioning programme was subsequently altered, and by the end of the season her running statistics were " much better," he claimed.
" I never shouted at Maddy Cusack at Sheffield United. I've never shouted directly at Maddy at Leicester City," Morgan said, adding that a comment he made about Cusack's relationship with Riglar was intended as " banter."
Key Takeaways
- An inquest heard Jonathan Morgan told the FA Maddy Cusack was " generally a liar" after her death.
- Morgan defended the comment, claiming Cusack omitted information when speaking to her family.
- Cusack's family and partner allege Morgan was controlling and made hurtful comments about her weight.
- The coach denied shouting at the player and said training modifications improved her performance.
- The inquest continues as the coroner examines the full circumstances leading to Cusack's tragic death.
Player: Maddy Cusack
Age: 27
Club: Sheffield United at time of death
Coach: Jonathan Morgan
Court: Chesterfield Coroner's Court
Date of evidence: 6 July 2026