Cusack team-mate says Sheffield United dismissed concerns over boss Morgan

A former Sheffield United team-mate of Maddy Cusack has told an inquest that she attempted to raise concerns about manager Jonathan Morgan, only to be told by the club: “He’s the manager, he can do what he wants.”

Nina Wilson, who played in goal for the Blades between July 2021 and June 2023, gave evidence on the fifth day of the inquest into Maddy Cusack’s death at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court. The former Sheffield United midfielder was found dead at her family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023.

“Always there” for team-mates

Wilson described Maddy as someone who was “always there” for her team-mates during their time together at the club. However, she told the court that Maddy had “given up football” as a result of her experiences at Sheffield United.

The former goalkeeper said she believes Maddy’s death was “definitely preventable” and recalled trying to flag a concern about Morgan’s behaviour to the club, only to be rebuffed with the dismissive response about his authority as manager.

“Morgan’s cult” claim

Wilson also told the inquest that players at rival clubs had referred to teams managed by Morgan as “Morgan’s cult”, an assertion put before the court as part of wider evidence about the culture at the women’s team during his tenure.

The hearing at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Maddy Cusack’s death, with evidence being heard from those who worked closely alongside her at Sheffield United.

Maddy Cusack made over 200 appearances for Sheffield United across two spells at the club before her death in September 2023, a loss that was felt deeply across the women’s game.

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