Maddy Cusack’s football manager ‘called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before death’, family claim
MADDY Cusack’s football manager allegedly called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before her death, her family has claimed.
The Sheffield United star’s family made an official complaint to the club after she took her own life in September.
Cusack’s lawyer dad David, who reportedly wrote the complaint, alleged that she was “troubled” after Jonathan Morgan was appointed as the team’s manager.
Morgan reportedly denies treating Cusack unfavourably.
The Sun has repeatedly contacted Morgan’s representatives for comment.
The complaint, which has reportedly been seen by The Athletic, is said to read: “There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end.
“But they all spring from the relationship with Jonathan Morgan.
“As she confided to us, every issue had its origin in Morgan’s appointment.
“We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this.”
Morgan, who had previously managed Cusack at Leicester, was cleared of treating Cusack unfavourably by a nine-week external inquiry – with no disciplinary action taken.
The complaint by Cusack’s family alleged that she left Leicester in 2019 because she felt worn down by Morgan – who she thought disliked her.
Cusack and Morgan met again after she played for Sheffield against his Burnley women’s side.
Morgan allegedly called Cusack a “psycho” when she ran near his dugout, adding to her sense that he disliked her.
When Morgan was appointed as Sheffield’s manager, he dropped Cusack from the starting line-up and allegedly told her she was overweight.
He also allegedly told other players about their previous clashes, giving the impression she was difficult to manage.
Cusack stayed at Sheffield United because she had bought a house in the South Yorkshire city and had made friends at the club.
She had reportedly never clashed with previous Sheffield managers and was popular at the club, according to the family’s complaint.
It is claimed that Cusack moved back in with her parents after become unwell from anxiety.
She was reportedly prescribed medication and asked the club doctor about counselling at the start of September.
The family’s complaint was delivered to the club on September 27, a week after her body was found at her parents’ house in Derbyshire.
An inquest has been opened into her death, which cops said is not suspicious.
CLUB PROBE
Sheffield United appointed retired Raoul Moat cop Dennis Shotton to handle a probe into the family’s allegations.
He allegedly misspelled Cusack’s first and second names as “Madeline Cussack” in correspondence with her grieving family.
Shotton also allegedly failed to record a witness interview with David Cusack and twice referred to him as a club employee – rather than Maddy’s father.
The investigator also allegedly failed to contact a close confidante of Cusack whose details he had been given.
It is also alleged that he did not contact some players who the family had recommended he speak to.
Safecall, which employs Shotton as an investigator, confirmed that it has carried out an investigation on Sheffield United’s behalf.
The firm declined to comment further.
The Cusack family, which was not allowed to see Shotton’s report, has rejected its verdict.
The FA has now begun gathering evidence after the family asked it to launch its own probe.
The Maddy Cusack Foundation said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.
“Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for.
“By Christmas 2022, she could be described as being at her happiest.
“This all changed gradually from February.”
Morgan reportedly denies telling Cusack she was overweight, claiming he told her she needed to improve her conditioning following fitness tests.
He also reportedly denies shouting that Cusack was a “psycho” or telling other Sheffield players anything negative about her.
The manager reportedly claims that he tried to help Cusack, making her vice-captain and putting her in touch with the club doctor.
Morgan also reportedly claims that he campaigned for Cusack to get a pay rise from £6,000 to £18,000.
He reportedly maintains that he did not single out Cusack for criticism.
Morgan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
‘TRAGIC PASSING’
Sheffield United declined to comment, instead referring The Sun to its December press release announcing the outcome of the external inquiry.
The release read: “Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that an investigation has taken place following the tragic passing of Women’s team player and club marketing executive, Maddy Cusack.
“Maddy was an important member of Sheffield United’s Women’s team.
“She was our longest serving player, scoring 7 times in 110 appearances and was synonymous with the number 8 shirt that she wore with distinction.
“Maddy was also a valued and popular member of the Club’s marketing team, working on promotion of all areas of the Blades.
“Everyone at the Club remains deeply saddened by her passing.
“At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy’s family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the Club.
“Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy’s family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
“The Club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation to consider how processes and policies may be improved.
“Following Maddy’s death, the Club provided staff with the opportunity to engage with additional external support.
“As part of the Club’s commitment to continual improvement, we have and will continue to review and expand the Club-wide wellbeing support offered to our staff.
“We will increase the learning and development opportunities for all staff around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness.
“We have also recently strengthened our Women’s and Girls’ structure with the addition of a new highly experienced Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football and other key appointments.
“We wish to offer support to Maddy’s family and the Maddy Cusack Foundation, MC8.
“We hope to work with them to continue the lasting positive impact Maddy had on those who knew her.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.