‘We were told we weren’t allowed to see their report on Maddy’s death – it was outrageous and unacceptable’: Maddy Cusack’s heartbroken family slam Sheffield United after inquiry cleared club of any wrongdoing – as FA officials probe her suicide

The family of a Sheffield United football star who took her own life are furious at not being shown a report which clears the club and their head coach of any wrongdoing. 

Maddy Cusack, who was United’s longest serving player and their first to reach 100 appearances, died at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023. 

Following her death, her family lodged a complaint with Sheffield United relating to her treatment by the club’s head coach, Jonathan Morgan.  

This included allegations made by Cusack to her family that Morgan had made inappropriate comments about her personal relationships and fitness, as well as telling the squad she was ‘difficult to manage’. 

Sheffield United appointed an independent third party in October to carry out a formal investigation into the concerns raised by the family. 

That investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing from either the club or Moran, but the FA confirmed they were reviewing that process earlier this month. 

The footballer’s family were left frustrated by how the inquiry was conducted and claim they have not been allowed to see the findings of the report. Maddy’s farther, David Cusack, told the Times that this was ‘outrageous and unacceptable’. 

It is understood that Maddy’s family provided Sheffield United with a list of names of people that they felt needed to be spoken to in the independent investigation that the club commissioned.

However, when the probe concluded, they were left frustrated that some of those on the list had not been approached.

On Wednesday, the family handed information to the Football Association they collected from 30 people, with what they believe is evidence relevant to Cusack’s death. 

The FA said it would open its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cusack’s death as questions grow about her treatment and support at the club. 

Until the months leading up to her death, her family believe that Maddy had not suffered from longstanding mental health issues or trauma. 

David says his daughter was in good spirts in December 2022, two months before Morgan’s arrival at Sheffield United, adding: ‘She was happy as Larry.’

David said. ‘We all bought the same pyjamas and wore them on Christmas Day. Even I had on a pair on. Maddy thought it was hilarious, of course. We’ve got great memories as a family from that Christmas.’ 

Maddy’s family say her mental state deteriorated in Febuary, which coincided with the arrival of Morgan as the team’s head coach. 

David said: ‘We always tried to work hard and provide the stable family life we both enjoyed ourselves as children. 

‘Until recent events, we thought we’d done so. We’ve always tried to follow the rules and teach our children the same. Maddy was an achiever. She got good grades and was very driven. I used to compare her to a nuclear aircraft carrier: she went on for ever and didn’t need refuelling.’ 

Sheffield United manager Jonathan Morgan stepped away from his duties last year after a formal complaint was made over his alleged behaviour towards players, but was cleared to return in January after the investigation. 

He had worked with Maddie at her previous club, Leicester City, which she first joined in 2018. 

She left the Foxes in 2019 after becoming convinced he had taken a ‘personal dislike’ to her, her family claimed. 

On the announcement of his appointment at Sheffield United, Maddy texted her father to say: ‘Guess who our next gaffer might be?’

Her parents replied: ‘It could be a fresh start for both of you.’ 

Maddy told family members that Morgan said she was overweight, but the coach denies this and says he told her she needed to improve her conditioning because she was performing poorly on the club’s fitness tests. 

The footballer also told her family that Morgan had called her ‘a psycho’ from the sidelines while he was managing another team – a comment he has denied making. 

David said: ‘Thinking she was overweight was like an arrow through the heart to her.

‘We were told once that she had 2 per cent more body fat than [Cristiano] Ronaldo. She had very muscly thighs. She had a separate fridge in the family home that was filled with fruit, vegetables and low-fat food.’

‘Maddy used to always say, “Have you got anything in the sauce?” She didn’t like it when I added things like honey or extras like that. She was very careful about everything she ate.’ 

Her mother Deborah added: ‘Her body was like a temple. There was one time she visited her brother in Birmingham and she brought her own lunch. She wouldn’t even let him cook her food.’

According to the Athletic, Morgan said he repeatedly tried to help Cusack, making her vice-captain and putting her in touch with the club’s doctor when he suspected she was struggling with her mental health.

Maddy’s text messages and conversations with her parents last year detailed her mental health struggle, as she was signed off work due to depression in September.  

Having been prescribed medication prescribed by her GP. She told her father: ‘I don’t think I’ll get through this, Dad.’

Maddy’s family told the FA: ‘As a result of Maddy’s death and in the following months afterwards, the disclosures to us from large numbers in the women’s game have shocked and disturbed us.’

‘Cusack’s parents said they were determined to fight for answers about their daughter’s death and have hope in the ability of the FA to investigate. David said: “We believe these issues are of concern and worthy of a complete investigation by the FA, which should go beyond Maddy and look for a pattern of behaviour that the authorities must eradicate from the game. Because if this tragedy can happen to our family, it could happen to anybody.’

Sheffield United have been approached for a comment.