A recent inquiry into the events leading up to the death of Sheffield United vice-captain Maddy Cusack in September has concluded that there was no evidence of misconduct at the South Yorkshire club.
The 27-year-old midfielder balanced her time between playing for Sheffield United in the Championship and working as a marketing executive at Bramall Lane. However, her family stated that her mental state had deteriorated in the months leading up to her death, and later shared with the BBC that the expectations placed on female footballers are excessive.
The police did not consider Cusack’s death to be suspicious. An inquest that began in October has been postponed until the medical reasons for her death at her home in Derbyshire can be determined.
Sheffield United released a statement reporting the results of an external investigation, which was carried out by an impartial third party and initiated and supported by the Cusack family. The club stated, “After carefully considering the information provided by the key witnesses presented by Maddy’s family and the club, the investigation has concluded that there is no evidence of misconduct.”
The organization stated that they will evaluate ways to enhance their procedures and policies, and also mentioned that they have strengthened opportunities for education and growth in areas such as language, culture, welfare, and mental health awareness. They also mentioned that they will carefully consider the results and suggestions from the investigation, and have already expanded the support for the well-being of all employees.
In 2019, Cusack joined Sheffield United, having previously played for Birmingham, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest. She became the first player to reach 100 games with the Bramall Lane women’s team and was also their longest-serving player.
The club expressed deep sorrow in September after the passing of Cusack. Men’s team manager at the time, Paul Heckingbottom, was visibly moved as he acknowledged her significant contributions to the club.
Jonathan Morgan, the former manager of Sheffield United’s women’s team, decided to take a break from overseeing matches and training in September following a formal complaint regarding his behavior towards specific players on the team. Morgan, who previously held a managerial position at Leicester, has been absent while an external investigation looked into the complaint.
Luke Turner is currently filling in as temporary manager, but the investigation is reportedly finished and United officials have informed Morgan that he can resume his role as manager and return to the training ground if he chooses to. Talks are apparently ongoing about his potential return to full managerial responsibilities in January.
Source: theguardian.com
