Former Club Chaplain Testifies at Inquest
The inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack has heard that the Sheffield United Women midfielder repeatedly asked the club's then-chaplain not to inform the club that she had been speaking to him. Dr Delroy Hall, who volunteered in the role from 2017 until November 2023, told the court on Wednesday that Cusack spoke to him multiple times in August 2023, including on 23 August, and pleaded with him to keep their conversations confidential.
"Please don't tell anyone I'm talking to you,"
Hall quoted Cusack as saying, adding that she made the request three or four times during their interactions. He described the chaplaincy as a service players would turn to as a "last resort", and noted that Cusack was struggling to balance her football career with another job at the time.
Background and Ongoing Inquest
Cusack, a popular figure in the women's game, was found dead at her home in Derbyshire on 20 September 2023 at the age of 27. The inquest, which began earlier this year, is examining the circumstances surrounding her death and the support structures available to players at Sheffield United. Hall stepped down from his voluntary chaplaincy role two months after Cusack's death, though no link has been established between the two events. The court has previously heard evidence from teammates, club officials, and medical professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Maddy Cusack asked club chaplain Dr Delroy Hall not to tell Sheffield United that she had been confiding in him.
- Hall described the chaplaincy as a "last resort" for players and said Cusack struggled to manage two jobs.
- Multiple conversations took place in August 2023, shortly before Cusack's death on 20 September.
- The inquest continues to explore the support systems within the club and the wider football community.
Quick Facts
Name: Maddy Cusack
Club: Sheffield United Women
Date of death: 20 September 2023
Former Chaplain: Dr Delroy Hall
Context: Cusack confided in Hall about personal struggles while managing dual employment.
Source: The Guardian