Coach Told FA Maddy Cusack Was a Liar, Inquest Hears

Coach told FA Maddy Cusack was – On 20 September 2023, 27-year-old Maddy Cusack was found unconscious at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire. Her father, David, discovered her in that condition and confirmed her death the same day. An inquest into her passing has now revealed claims from Jonathan Morgan, the former coach who worked with her at Sheffield United, that she was described as “generally a liar” during an account he provided to the Football Association (FA).

Testimony Highlights Controversial Statements

Jonathan Morgan, who coached Cusack from February 2023 at Sheffield United, testified at a two-week inquest held at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court. According to the inquest, Morgan’s comments to the FA centered on Cusack’s tendency to “omit a lot of information” when discussing his conduct with her family. This account came to light during the proceedings, where Morgan’s relationship with the player was scrutinized.

“In terms of the scenarios since Maddy passed away, I genuinely feel things have not been portrayed factually or correctly with how she was feeling,” Morgan said in response to Dean Armstrong KC, who represents Cusack’s family. He added that the claim of her being a liar emerged after her death, based on what he described as “a lot of one-sided information.”

The inquest also uncovered that Cusack’s family had submitted a written complaint to Sheffield United in the week following her death. The document outlined alleged problems stemming from her connection with Morgan, including concerns about how her personal life affected her performance and well-being. This complaint was part of the broader investigation into the circumstances of her passing.

Teammate’s Account Adds Emotional Context

Grace Riglar, a teammate who was in a relationship with Cusack, shared her perspective during the inquest. She described Cusack as “anxious” about Morgan joining the club, citing her experiences at Leicester City where Morgan had previously coached her. Riglar’s testimony highlighted the tension Cusack felt in the team environment, suggesting her confidence was shaken by Morgan’s presence.

Cusack’s mother, Deborah, described Morgan as her daughter’s “nemesis.” She recounted how he had made remarks about her weight and relationship to “cut her down to size” and assert control. Deborah emphasized that these comments left her daughter deeply affected, even leading to moments of humiliation. One such instance involved Morgan addressing her girlfriend, Riglar, as “Mrs Cusack” in front of other players, a detail that Deborah claimed caused Maddy to feel belittled.

Coach Defends His Actions and Training Methods

During the inquest, Morgan defended his actions, asserting that he had no concerns about his relationship with Cusack when he became manager at Sheffield United. He explained that Cusack had been released from Leicester City in the January transfer window, a decision he claimed was mutual and not driven by personal conflict.

When questioned about Cusack’s limited playing time after his arrival, Morgan stated that she was still recovering from a foot injury during his initial selection of players. He further explained that her absence from the squad persisted until his fourth game in charge, due to the form of other players. Morgan insisted that the decision was based on performance, not personal bias.

“I told her she was ‘too muscular, too bottom-heavy’ to carry out the number of sprints needed with my style of football,” Morgan said. “Her strength and conditioning training was then adjusted, and by the end of the season, her running statistics were ‘much better’.”

The coach also mentioned that he had requested Cusack to disclose her relationship with Riglar to the entire team, aiming to “keep things transparent.” Morgan justified this move by referencing past instances where relationships within the team had caused internal conflicts. He said, “In the past, relationships have had issues within the environment. People would break up, it would cause scenarios that sort of divided the team’s opinion and make things a bit uncomfortable.”

Contrasting Perspectives on Morgan’s Behavior

Despite Morgan’s assertions, Deborah Cusack and others argued that his behavior was more than just professional. She claimed that Morgan’s nickname for Riglar—calling her “Mrs Cusack”—was a deliberate attempt to undermine Cusack’s confidence. Morgan, however, described the comment as “tongue-in-cheek,” insisting it was meant as friendly banter. He added that the team had then joked about his own weight, framing the remark as lighthearted rather than hurtful.

Other witnesses at the inquest, including Grace Riglar, provided accounts of Cusack’s emotional state. Riglar noted that her relationship with Maddy was a source of stress, particularly when Morgan’s coaching style clashed with her personal life. This dynamic, according to Riglar, contributed to Cusack’s anxiety and potentially her dissatisfaction with the team.

During the proceedings, Morgan also discussed how he perceived changes in Cusack’s behavior. He stated that in August, he began to notice a shift in her attitude, which he attributed to improved confidence and fitness. However, this claim was juxtaposed with the family’s narrative that Morgan’s influence had a negative impact on Cusack’s mental health and self-esteem.

Broader Implications for the Team and Family

The inquest revealed a complex interplay of professional decisions and personal dynamics. While Morgan defended his coaching methods and relationships, the family’s complaint suggested that his actions had a lasting effect on Cusack. The written complaint to Sheffield United highlighted the coach’s perceived role in her emotional struggles, though Morgan denied any intent to dominate her.

As the inquest progressed, it became clear that multiple perspectives were being explored. Morgan’s account of Cusack’s behavior and training was contrasted with the accounts of her family and teammates, painting a picture of conflicting narratives. The focus remained on whether his coaching style contributed to her stress, ultimately leading to her tragic death.

With the inquest continuing, the testimonies of Morgan, Cusack’s family, and teammates have provided a comprehensive look at the events surrounding her passing. The case underscores the importance of understanding the pressures athletes face, both on and off the field, and how these can influence their mental and physical well-being. As the court delves deeper into the details, the verdict will likely reflect the balance between professional judgment and personal impact.

Legacy and Ongoing Investigation

The inquest has also prompted discussions about the broader implications of Morgan’s coaching decisions. His statements to the FA, along with the family’s complaint, highlight the need for transparency in sports environments. The case is expected to draw attention to how relationships between coaches and players can affect an athlete’s performance and emotional state.

As the inquest nears its conclusion, the focus remains on the factors that contributed to Cusack’s death. Morgan’s testimony, while detailed, has been met with skepticism from some witnesses. The contrast between his accounts and those of Cusack’s family and teammates continues to shape the narrative, ensuring that the full context of her passing is thoroughly examined. The outcome of this inquest may have lasting effects on how coaches are perceived and held accountable in the future.