The inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack, the Sheffield United women's midfielder, has been adjourned for a second time, now set to resume on December 7. Coroner Sophie Cartwright KC requested two previous witnesses return for further questioning and indicated another witness may be added, following the submission of additional documents.
Inquest Background
Cusack was found unresponsive at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023. Her death sparked a wide-ranging inquest to determine the circumstances, with her family alleging issues linked to her time working under former manager Jonathan Morgan.
The inquest, which began on June 29 at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, was initially expected to last six days but had been scheduled for up to two weeks due to the volume of witnesses and documents. This is the second significant delay—the inquest was originally set for January 5 but was immediately adjourned after a large document submission.
Key Testimony Revealed
In nine days of hearings, the court heard from Cusack's parents, former Sheffield United women's team manager Jonathan Morgan, and club executives.
Carl Shieber, the club's head of football administration, testified that Morgan was "transparent" about his previous difficulties with Cusack during their time together at Leicester City before Morgan was hired in February 2023. Shieber said Morgan "spoke fondly" of Cusack and downplayed the issues as "moments or issues" common between players and managers.
"I felt Mr Morgan was being very transparent in his relationship with her," Shieber told the inquest.
However, the court also heard that the club's former women's team general manager, Zoe Johnson, expressed reservations in an email, stating Morgan "doesn't have the greatest reputation in the game but he has a good CV". When pressed, Johnson reportedly described Morgan as "a bit of a d***".
The inquest previously heard that Morgan called Cusack "bottom-heavy"—a comment he claimed referred to her muscular legs—and made a remark of "here come the girlfriends" when she walked with her partner and teammate Grace Riglar. He denied calling her a "psycho" from the sidelines before his appointment.
Second Adjournment
On Thursday, Coroner Cartwright apologised to the Cusack family for the fresh delay, as she had done when the inquest was first pushed back in January. The coroner stressed the need for thoroughness as further documents have been submitted and specific witnesses are required for additional questioning.
The inquest will now recess until December 7, prolonging the wait for answers for Cusack's loved ones and the wider football community.
Key Takeaways
- The inquest into Maddy Cusack's death has been delayed for a second time, now scheduled to resume on December 7.
- Testimony revealed Sheffield United were aware of past friction between Cusack and manager Jonathan Morgan before hiring him.
- A club executive described Morgan's reputation as questionable, yet he was appointed to lead the women's team.
- The coroner apologised to the family for both adjournments, citing the need to examine new documents and recall witnesses.
- Cusack's family submitted a complaint within a week of her death, alleging issues related to Morgan's conduct.
Quick Facts
Date of Death: September 20, 2023
Inquest Start: June 29, 2024 (original start January 5, 2024 delayed)
New Adjournment Date: December 7, 2024
Location: Chesterfield Coroner's Court
Significant Witnesses: Parents of Maddy Cusack, Jonathan Morgan, Carl Shieber, Zoe Johnson
