Concerns over club resources
A former physio for Sheffield United‘s women’s team has stated that the club lacked sufficient resources in the summer of 2023 to adequately support its players. Francesca Carr, who served as the women’s team physio from 2021 to 2023, testified at an inquest into the death of Maddy Cusack. Carr described the club’s transition from part-time to full-time status as feeling “rushed,” noting that staff members often had to take on multiple roles beyond their official duties, including preparing meals for the team.
Carr expressed her opinion that there were insufficient resources to properly manage the club and care for the players during this transition. She highlighted that the club did not have all necessary roles filled when the season commenced. Additionally, Carr mentioned that she had communicated her concerns multiple times to senior staff regarding the team not meeting minimum league standards, such as the absence of a private physio room for treatments.
The inquest heard that Maddy Cusack, a midfielder for Sheffield United, was found deceased at her family’s home in Derbyshire on 20 September 2023. She was 27 years old. This occurred weeks into the club’s first season operating on a full-time training basis. Carr also indicated that some players’ mental wellbeing was a greater concern to her than Cusack’s prior to her death.
Player wellbeing and management
Grace Riglar, Cusack’s former girlfriend and a former Sheffield United player, told the inquest that Cusack became anxious about Jonathan Morgan joining the club as manager. Riglar recounted that Cusack had previous experiences with Morgan at Leicester City, where he allegedly called her a “psycho” from the sideline during a match. Riglar suggested that such comments, though not openly acknowledged by Cusack, affected her and made her uncomfortable.
Riglar also testified that Morgan made comments about Cusack’s weight, which she believed led to changes in Cusack’s eating and exercise habits. These changes included avoiding carbohydrates, skipping breakfast, and undertaking additional runs after training. Riglar noted that Cusack was already one of the fittest players on the team. Morgan, representing himself at the inquest, countered this by stating he had referred to Cusack as “fitter” rather than “fat.”
The inquest heard that Morgan’s arrival coincided with Cusack receiving less game time, which she perceived as a setback. Riglar suggested that Cusack felt these actions were a “personal attack” and that Morgan was engaging in “mind games.” Morgan, however, pointed out that Cusack played in five of the nine league games he managed and started the first three games of the subsequent season.
Riglar also described an early meeting at Sheffield United where Morgan reportedly asked team members in relationships to disclose them privately. Riglar stated that Cusack, who preferred to keep her personal life private, found this uncomfortable. Morgan allegedly referred to Riglar as “Mrs Cusack” in front of other players, which also made Cusack uncomfortable as they aimed to maintain a professional relationship.
Eoin Doyle, Cusack’s line manager in Sheffield United‘s marketing department, also gave evidence. He recalled Cusack being anxious when she first saw Morgan after his appointment. Doyle also mentioned a conversation with Morgan where Morgan referred to Cusack as “love sick” in reference to Riglar moving to another club. Doyle did not interpret this as malicious but considered it ill-judged.
Carr confirmed that she had advised Morgan that Cusack was not fit to play in his first match in charge, aligning with Morgan’s account. She also stated that she “never saw an issue” in Morgan’s behaviour, noting that he ensured players were fed when the club did not provide food during the transition period. Sophie Barker, Cusack’s former captain and roommate, also testified that she had not witnessed Morgan exhibiting negative behaviours towards Cusack, describing his actions as “regular managerial thing[s].”
The inquest heard that Cusack had a sick note from a doctor for time off from both football and her full-time marketing role at Sheffield United. She had also been prescribed anti-anxiety medication. The inquest is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Stephen Bettis, the chief executive of Sheffield United, is now scheduled to give evidence on 8 July.
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Source: theguardian.com
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”