Sheffield United Chaplain Testifies on Maddie Cusack’s Conversations
During an inquest into the tragic death of Maddie Cusack, Dr. Delroy Hall, a former chaplain at Sheffield United, revealed that he had repeatedly requested the club not disclose that she had approached him for support. Dr. Hall served as the chaplain from 2017 until November 2023, just two months after Cusack’s passing on September 20, 2023. He noted that it was often a “last resort” for players to seek him out for critical discussions. Cusack specifically mentioned to him on several occasions, including August 23, 2023, that she did not want anyone to know about their talks.
Balancing Responsibilities Under Pressure
In his court testimony, Hall expressed that he did not view Cusack as a risk to herself but acknowledged the immense pressure she faced while trying to manage both football and her dual role in the club’s marketing department. “Her schedule kept her occupied seven days a week,” he stated, reflecting on the demanding nature of her commitments.
Concerns About Work-Life Balance
Hall recalled advising Cusack about the unsustainable nature of her working hours, emphasizing that he observed she was overwhelmed with responsibilities. He also shared his own struggles, mentioning a four-hour commute to meet his girlfriend, who transferred to Lewes FC in East Sussex during the summer of 2023. His support included providing her with coping strategies, including breathing techniques. After Cusack’s death, Hall decided to resign from his volunteer position, feeling disoriented about whom to approach for guidance within the club.
Executives Face Questions Over Club Communication
Witness testimonies during the inquest also featured Sheffield United executives, CEO Stephen Bettis and head of football administration Karl Seaver. They faced scrutiny regarding the extended timeline to notify the women’s team about their transition to full-time status following the 2022-23 season. Early evidence indicated that the hurried transition had been a source of stress among players and staff.
Funding Challenges and Team Progression
The delay in the full-time transition was partially attributed to the necessity for the men’s team to secure promotion to the Premier League, anticipated for April 26, 2026, alongside waiting for board approval for funding. Seaver emphasized that without financial backing from the men’s program, advancing the women’s team to full-time status would have been untenable. There was even discussion of potentially withdrawing funding completely from the women’s team.
Recruitment Process Highlights Internal Concerns
Seaver disclosed that during the recruitment of Jonathan Morgan as the women’s team manager in February 2023, former coach Zoe Johnson had reservations about Morgan’s demeanor during a match. Despite these concerns, Johnson ultimately endorsed him as the strongest candidate, encouraging further discussions which led to a formal interview. However, Seaver clarified that no one at the club had informed him of Cusack’s challenges with her demanding workload.
Defending Club Operations Amid Financial Pressures
During the inquest, Bettis defended the club’s handling of the women’s transition to full-time operations, asserting that significant advancements had been made in recent years. He cited the ongoing financial struggles in women’s football, stating, “We would be looking at a loss of £750,000 annually in women’s football, which could double with a full-time model.” Bettis projected a possible loss exceeding £2 million for the 2026-27 season, underscoring the current unsustainability of the format. He confirmed the club’s commitment to supporting women’s football, pointing to future broadcasting revenues as a potential avenue for financial viability.
Bettis also expressed his admiration for Cusack, stating that opportunities within the club’s marketing department would have been available for her to pursue even after her football career. The inquest is set to continue on Thursday.
