Blades boss Morgan back in dug-out after investigation
SHEFFIELD UNITED fell to a late 3-2 defeat by Tottenham as manager Jonathan Morgan returned to the dug-out for the first time in four months. Morgan had not taken charge of a game since September 17 after a complaint was made against him by the family of Maddy Cusack. The 27-year-old, who was Sheffield United’s vice-captain, died at her home in Horsley on September 20. Her death was not treated as suspicious by police.
A report in The Athletic said Cusack’s family believe their daughter took her own life for reasons connected to the appointment of Morgan in February 2023. Morgan strenuously denies any wrong-doing and a third-party investigation, conducted on behalf of the club, cleared him to return to work in December. The FA are reviewing the details of the investigation. Yesterday’s fourth-round FA Cup tie was Morgan’s first game back and his team nearly recorded a memorable victory against higher-ranked opposition. They led 2-0 after goals from Sophie Haywood and Jessica Sigsworth either side of half-time but two Bethany England strikes and a 96th-minute Rosella Ayane winner saw Spurs through. Tottenham fans had organised a minute of applause to take place in honour of Cusack and some supporters held a banner which read: ‘There’s only one Maddy Cusack.’ The applause took place in the eighth minute, in line with the shirt number Cusack wore, and was observed by fans and the coaching staff from both teams, including Morgan.
It was not long after that when the Blades took the lead, with Haywood volleying in from close range. The Sheffield United bench erupted and embraced Morgan, and Haywood went over to hug her manager after celebrating with her team-mates. They doubled their lead shortly after half-time when Ashley Hodson’s curling shot rebounded off the bar for Sigsworth to head in from close range. Once again, the bench celebrated emphatically, with both Hodson and Sigsworth running over to hug Morgan. While the celebrations were taking place, a lone Tottenham supporter was heard shouting abuse at Morgan.
But Spurs rallied and two England goals in 11 minutes brought them level. The first was a close-range finish while the second came from the penalty spot. The Blades withstood a barrage of Spurs attacks but finally conceded when Ayane chipped goalkeeper Fran Stenson in the final seconds. in the last seconds.