The coach of former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has detailed their last phone call at an inquest into her death. Jonathan Morgan, who took charge of the women's team in February 2023, told Chesterfield Coroner's Court on Tuesday that the conversation on 11 September 2023 covered her visit to a GP, medication, and a decision to take time off work. Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her family home on 20 September and pronounced dead the same day.
The inquest has heard emotional testimony from Cusack's family and partner, who allege that Morgan's behaviour contributed to her distress. Morgan has denied wrongdoing, and the full circumstances surrounding her death remain under examination.
Last Contact Details
Morgan gave evidence that the phone call on 11 September came after Cusack had missed training on 6 September. He said she informed him she had been to her GP, received medication, and would be taking time away from the club.
"The information she gave me was a positive step forward, in my opinion,"Morgan told the court, though he added he would not use the word "reassured" to describe his feelings. He also said they discussed the possibility of her attending a match on 30 September.
Despite the seriousness of the update, Morgan admitted no documentation was made of the conversation, and that he subsequently informed the club doctor, Dr Subhashis Basu. Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC questioned why he had not consulted HR, given it was his first experience of a player absent with mental health issues. Morgan replied that he escalated the matter to the person he believed was right at the time.
Background and Allegations
Cusack's family sent a written complaint to Sheffield United a week after her death, outlining alleged issues stemming from her relationship with Morgan. The inquest previously heard from Cusack's partner, Grace Riglar, who said Cusack was "anxious" about Morgan's arrival because of her experience working with him at Leicester City. Her mother, Deborah, described Morgan as her daughter's "nemesis", claiming he made comments about her weight and relationship to "cut her down to size" and be "in control".
On Monday, the court heard Morgan had told the FA that Cusack was "generally a liar", alleging she "omitted a lot of information" when speaking to her family about his conduct.
Club's Response and Doctor Involvement
Morgan said he expressed concerns in August 2023 that Cusack was "not well", which led him to ask club doctor Subhashis Basu to speak with her. When asked if he had flagged a risk of self-harm or suicide, Morgan replied he had not. He said he took comfort from Basu's involvement, describing the doctor as "very good and experienced". Morgan added that if he had believed Cusack was at "imminent risk", he would have raised further concerns.
The inquest continues, with further witnesses expected to shed light on the events leading up to Cusack's death. Support is available for anyone affected by the issues raised.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Morgan's last contact with Maddy Cusack was a phone call on 11 September 2023, nine days before her death.
- The coach says Cusack informed him she had visited a GP, was given medication, and would take time off work.
- No written record was made of the conversation, and Morgan did not consult HR directly.
- Cusack's family and partner have accused Morgan of bullying behaviour, which he denies.
- Morgan asked the club doctor to speak with Cusack in August but did not raise a specific concern about self-harm or suicide.
Quick Facts
Player: Maddy Cusack, 27, midfielder for Sheffield United Women
Date of death: 20 September 2023
Coach: Jonathan Morgan, appointed February 2023
Last conversation: 11 September 2023, phone call
Key allegation: Family complaint of bullying and controlling behaviour