SHEFFIELD United star Maddy Cusack has been honoured for her impressive career with The Blades before her tragic death.
The 27-year-old had risen to football fame, all while juggling a full time marketing executive role for the club.
The talented Midfielder was one of the longest serving players for the club, and the first Women’s team member to mark 100 appearances on the pitch.
She had also just signed a new one-year contract with The Blades in July earlier this year.
“It feels amazing,” Maddy said in an interview. “I think everyone knows how much I love this club.
“This club is my home, so to extend my contract for another year, yeah, I’m really excited and really pleased.”
Maddy’s final post on social media was a photo of herself with a pen and her Sheffield United renewal contract for the season, which she captioned: “6 years & counting…
“Really happy to have signed another deal with Sheffield United. Exited for the season!”
The rising star started her football career at Nottingham Forest academy which saw her transfer to Aston Villa in 2012.
She was also a student at the University of Derby, where she earned herself an impressive first-class honours degree.
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Maddy achieved the grade in marketing, public relations and advertising – which would later be put to good use working as a marketing executive at Sheffield United.
The inspiring footballer was selected for England during the 2014 UEFA Championship where she played on the field in all group stages.
After her stint with Aston Villa, the midfielder moved to Birmingham City in 2017.
Her successful career with The Blades started in January 2019, and then head coach Carla Ward renewed her contract after 18 months.
After playing for the club for over four years, Maddy was elected as vice-captain, as well as juggling her role as marketing exec.
DEVASTATING LOSS
Maddy tragically died on Wednesday, September 20, at a home in Horsley.
Derbyshire Police have released a statement saying the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The force added: “We were called to a property in Lady Lea Road, Horsley, just after 6.35pm on Wednesday 20 September.
“A woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
The Blades announced Maddy’s death last Thursday.
A statement read: “Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.
“Maddy, a women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.
“A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women.
“Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the Club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.”
And, tributes were paid at the Premier League home match against Newcastle United on Sunday.
A picture of Maddy was put on the front of the matchday programme and the flag at Bramall Lane flew at half-mast.
The team also played a video tribute while an emotional eulogy was read aloud.
Maddy’s heartbroken mum and sister laid a wreath out, alongside Tony Currie and captain Sophie Barker.
The talented midfielder’s teammates came onto the pitch wearing Maddy’s name on their shirts, with her number eight on their backs.
They also donned black armbands in her memory, while other staff members wore black.
A minute’s silence was held before kick-off to honour their late player, and in the eighth minute a minute’s applause roared through the stadium as fans rose to share their support and sadness following the tragedy.
‘WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH’
Maddy’s teammates have also taken to social media to pay heartbroken tributes.
Defender Molly Graham posted: “Absolutely devastating news.
“Such a great person and team-mate.
“You will be missed hugely! Rest in peace Mads.”
Fellow defender Charlotte Newsham also wrote: “Beyond broken and shocked to have lost a team-mate and good friend.
“We will miss you so much Mads.”
Stephen Bettis, United’s chief executive officer, commented: “This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
“Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
“Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
“Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the Club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The Blades added: “Discussions over suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life will continue privately.
“The Club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.”
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from across the football world for the beloved player.
Absolutely devastating news. Such a great person and team-mate. You will be missed hugely! Rest in peace Mads.”
Molly Graham
Leeds United wrote: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Leeds are with Maddy’s friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
Luton Town noted: “Rest in peace, Maddy. We’re sending our love and wishes to your family and friends and your colleagues at Bramall Lane.”
Shrewsbury Town said: “We’re so sorry to read this. All our thoughts and wishes are with Maddy’s friends and family, and everyone at Sheffield United.”
Halifax Town added: “We’re all so sorry to hear this devastating news, we send our thoughts to all of Maddy’s family and friends and everyone associated with Sheffield United.”
A number of Lionesses have also paid their respects.
Aston Villa and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
Beyond broken and shocked to have lost a team-mate and good friend.”
Charlotte Newsham
Tottenham and Lioness forward Beth England posted: “This is devastating news.
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“My thoughts and love go out to her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp penned: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
