The inquest into the death of Sheffield United women's footballer Maddy Cusack, who died on 20 September 2023 aged 27, heard that her former manager Jonathan Morgan had described her as "generally a liar" during a Football Association investigation. Cusack's parents believe Morgan was integral to the deterioration of her mental health, making his characterisation of her — and his conduct as her coach — central to proceedings at Chesterfield coroner's court. Giving evidence on Monday, Morgan denied shouting at Cusack or calling her a "psycho", and maintained he had been concerned about her wellbeing.

Morgan defended the "liar" comment by claiming there was evidence Cusack had omitted information to her family about his support for her, and said media coverage after her death had been "one-sided". He admitted calling her "bottom-heavy" but insisted this referred to her leg muscles during a fitness discussion, not her weight. He denied leaving her out of his first starting lineup to assert authority, citing medical advice from physio Francesca Carr that she was unfit; her medical records have since been lost. Morgan also described noticing Cusack looking "dishevelled" in August 2023 and hearing she was missing her girlfriend, Grace Riglar, who had moved clubs. His evidence resumes on Tuesday.