The FA are launching an investigation into the tragic death of Sheffield United Women’s vice-captain, Maddy Cusack.
Cusack’s family have presented the governing body with fresh information, after officials met with the family for positive talks this week.
The midfielder was Sheffield United’s longest-serving player, and the first to play 100 games for the women’s side. She died at her home in Derbyshire on 20 September, with police saying there were no suspicious circumstances involved.
In October, an inquest into the 27-year-old’s death was opened at Derby Coroner’s Court and adjourned.
The club commissioned an independent investigation after concerns were raised by Cusack’s family about Sheffield United’s conduct before the tragedy.
No evidence of wrongdoing was found, but the FA have since confirmed they are reviewing the process.
Jonathan Morgan, Sheffield United’s women’s first team manager, stepped back from his duties in September following a formal complaint about his alleged treatment of certain players.
He was cleared to resume working after the investigation, returning to the touchline earlier this month.
Who Was Maddy Cusack?
Madeleine Cusack was born in Nottingham, and started her football career aged five with Nottingham Forest. Her professional debut came in 2012 after moving to Aston Villa, before spending time at Birmingham City and Leicester.
She then joined Sheffield United in January 2019. Cusack would go on to make more than 100 appearances for the Blades – becoming the first female player to do so.
Outside of football, she achieved a first-class honours degree in marketing, PR and advertising from the University of Derby. This helped her become a marketing executive for the club alongside her footballing career.
In 2021, Neil Redfearn, who was Maddy Cusack’s former manager, described her as “a great trainer, a real asset of the club, and someone who wants to get better and wants to drive on.”
She also represented England at under-19 level, playing every group game in the 2014 European Championships.
Cusack signed a new contract with Sheffield United in July 2023, and was named vice-captain a month later.
Since her passing, Maddy’s family have launched the Maddy Cusack Foundation, aiming to help support women and girl’s in football.
The foundation hopes to continue Maddy’s legacy and make a difference to people in women’s football.
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