MADDY TRAGEDY
I quit Sheffield United after being ‘totally excluded’ when Maddy Cusack death rocked grieving club – we were let down
The FA is now probing Cusack's 'troubled' final months at the club
A SHEFFIELD United worker quit after being "totally excluded" when Maddy Cusack's death rocked the grieving club - reportedly claiming staff were let down.
Delroy Hall resigned as club chaplain in November, two months after Blades star Cusack was found dead.
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His resignation letter said he felt ignored and let down by club bosses, the reports.
Hall told the sports news website that he had been "totally excluded" from the club's response to Cusack's death.
He said: "I said I’m not asking for the limelight or to be the centre of attention - but if I can offer any support just let me know.
"I knew straight away it was going in one ear and out the other.
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"They had no interest in getting me involved whatsoever."
Sheffield United told The Sun that it was "saddened to receive Dr Hall’s letter as he had been a valued member of the Club".
A spokesman added: "The Club discussed his voluntary role with Dr Hall and how it may develop under the Club’s evolving approach.
"Unfortunately, views were not aligned.
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"We have a network of trained staff who are available to support colleagues if they need help, including Mental Health First Aiders, medical personnel and an Employee Assistance Programme.
"We regularly hold training and education sessions for staff as well as sending out frequent communication around specific campaigns and a reminder about what support is available.
"After the tragic passing of our much-loved colleague Maddy Cusack we enlisted the support of external trained councillors, recommended by the Football Association, who were available on the ground and over the phone.
"Several colleagues took advantage of this support and continue to work with these trained, dedicated people who are supporting them through their grief."
The club added: "We are disappointed that Dr Hall’s resignation letter notes he considers that his race may have been a factor in his experience of his role at the Club.
"No such concerns were raised during the time Dr Hall volunteered at the Club and we firmly deny that he has been discriminated against in any manner.
"The Club would like to thank Dr Hall for his support in his volunteer role and wish him the very best of luck with his future endeavours."
CLUB PROBE
Cusack's family is understood to have made an official complaint to the club after she was found dead in September.
Her lawyer dad David alleged in the complaint that she was "troubled" after Jonathan Morgan was appointed as the team's manager.
Morgan reportedly denies treating Cusack unfavourably.
The Sun has repeatedly contacted Morgan's representatives for comment.
Sheffield United appointed retired Raoul Moat cop Dennis Shotton to handle a probe into the family's allegations.
Morgan, who had previously managed Cusack at Leicester, was cleared of treating her unfavourably by the nine-week external inquiry - with no disciplinary action taken.
Cusack's family, which was not allowed to see Shotton's report, has rejected its verdict.
'CAREFREE GIRL'
The FA has now begun gathering evidence after the family asked it to launch its own probe.
The Maddy Cusack Foundation said: "Those who knew Maddy well will be aware she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.
"Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for.
"By Christmas 2022, she could be described as being at her happiest.
"This all changed gradually from February."
Last month the club said: "Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that an investigation has taken place following the tragic passing of Women's team player and club marketing executive, Maddy Cusack.
"At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy's family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the Club.
"Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy's family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
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"We wish to offer support to Maddy's family and the Maddy Cusack Foundation, MC8.
"We hope to work with them to continue the lasting positive impact Maddy had on those who knew her."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- HUMEN
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,, 116 123
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