The family of Maddy Cusack filed a seven-page letter of complaint to Sheffield United blaming women's manager Jonathan Morgan for allegedly contributing to her deteriorating mental health before her tragic death. A claim, it is understood that Morgan has vehemently denied.
Sheffield United defender Cusack was found dead at her parents home in September last year aged 27. An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned in October with a cause of death yet to be ascertained. An internal investigation commissioned by Sheffield United into her death concluded last month that there were "no suspicious circumstances" for her passing.
But the FA is now reported to be gathering evidence ahead of potentially launching their own investigation after learning of concerning allegations from Cusack's family which were delivered to Sheffield United by her parents David and Deborah a week after her death. The letter referred to Cusack's final seven months at the club after Morgan was appointed manager of the women's team in February.
It has been claimed that within the letter, Cusack's parents make allegations that Morgan showed "personal antipathy" towards their daughter and claim this contributed to a significant deterioration in her mental health. An excerpt from the letter, written by her father, has been published in a report by The Athletic, and reads: “There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end, but they all spring from the relationship with JM (Morgan).
Cusack suffered mental health issues prior to her tragic death (Getty)"As she confided to us (her family), every issue had its origin in JM’s appointment. We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this.”
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According to The Athletic's report, Morgan 'strenuously denies any wrongdoing'. Sheffield United declined to comment when approached by Mirror Football and directed us to their recent investigation. Mirror Football has contacted Tongue Tied Management - who represent Morgan - for comment.
Mirror Football also contacted the FA, who provided the following statement: "Following the conclusion of the club’s independent investigation into the matter, we felt that it would be appropriate to assess the relevant information of the case. This is to understand whether or not any further action is required under our jurisdiction within football, and to establish what, if any, next steps may be appropriate. We are in dialogue with Maddy’s family and the club during this process."
Sheffield United commissioned an inquiry which concluded last month and determined there was no evidence of bullying or inappropriate behaviour by Morgan towards Cusack or any of her team-mates.
“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,” the South Yorkshire club said in a statement published December 18 on their official website.
“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.”
According to The Athletic, Sheffield United's chief executive wrote to Cusack's family acknowledging that Morgan's conduct had "divided opinion" among those who were interviewed as part of the club's investigation, but insisted that none of those questioned had "heard or witnessed any bullying or inappropriate behaviour".
Sheffield United women's manager Jonathan Morgan denies the allegations (PA)It is understood according to the Club, Morgan had a normal working relationship with Cusack and there is no evidence to support the allegations that he had any part to play in her deteriorating mental state and subsequent tragic death.
Morgan stepped away from his managerial duties as the investigation was being carried out, missing 11 fixtures. He will return to the dugout on Sunday for the FA Women’s Cup match against Tottenham.
Cusack played under Morgan at previous club Leicester, who she left in 2019. As reported by The Athletic, among the complaints from her family include allegations Cusack opted to leave Leicester as she felt Morgan disliked her. Cusack reportedly alleged Morgan called her a ‘“psycho” during a match for Sheffield United against his former club Burnley - a claim he denies. His subsequent appointment at Sheffield United is claimed to have made her ‘anxious’.
Morgan has also been accused of dropping Cusack from the team while complaining she was overweight - claims he denies and claims he had asked her to improve her conditioning while also providing a training programme as Cusack was behind the fitness levels of her team-mates, according to tests carried out by the Club.
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He is alleged to have informed other players in the team of his history with Cusack - again claims he denies. Cusack was made vice-captain by Morgan and was also working as a marketing executive for the club alongside playing. Her family claim the pressure and anxiety which stemmed from her relationship with Morgan led her to become unwell and move back into the family home after being prescribed medication.
They claim Cusack approached Sheffield United’s club doctor about the prospect of counselling. Sheffield United commissioned their investigation at the request of the Cusack family, but reportedly denied them access to the final report or any of the statements or evidence from 18 witnesses interviewed. The Cusack family has now asked the FA to carry out an inquiry.
Speaking in November, Cusack's mother Deborah felt her daughter's "spirit was broken" as she struggled to juggle the demands of playing football on a salary of around £6,000 per year.
"Last year their players were part-time, which means that they all had full-time jobs and trained three times a week, played on a Sunday, often travelled on a Saturday to play on a Sunday, for a minimal amount of money," Mrs Cusack said, via BBC. "It's too much, the pressures are way too much.
"She worried about her career in football, because football to her was everything. So to have that threatened in any way, shape or form, hurt. Her spirit was broken, that's the best way that I can describe it to you."
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