Fans press Sheffield United to retire Maddy Cusack’s No. 8 amid club scrutiny

A petition signed by more than 1,200 fans is pushing Sheffield United to retire the No. 8 shirt worn by Maddy Cusack, who died by suicide two years ago last weekend. The request, supported by the club’s Fan Advisory Board, has been rejected by the club, which says keeping the number in circulation preserves memory of those who wore it and avoids setting a precedent that conflicts with past practices. The decision was learned by Cusack’s family through FAB minutes posted on the club’s website, prompting renewed questions about how the club honors her memory and supports women’s football.

Separately, Cusack’s family has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her final months, including allegations of a problematic culture under former women’s team manager Jonathan Morgan. Their seven-page complaint, presented during and after a pre-inquest review, is part of a broader inquiry that the family has asked the Football Association to scrutinize. The inquest into Cusack’s death is ongoing, and findings from the FA investigation are expected to feature prominently when the full inquest hearing begins in January. Morgan, who was sacked by Sheffield United in February 2024, denies any wrongdoing and has described the inquiry as a witch hunt. The club says it has moved on from Morgan, and the inquest will examine the club’s leadership and culture during the period surrounding Cusack’s death.

On the ground, supporters marked the second anniversary with a banner and Cusack’s image shown on the stadium screen during the home match against Charlton Athletic. In a quiet reflection of the family’s struggle, Cusack’s mother and sister participated, and the match featured a minute’s applause. Yet Cusack’s family says the No. 8 remains unworn rather than retired, arguing that the club’s stance leaves her memory “untouched and disregarded.” Fans describe Cusack as a deeply embedded figure at Sheffield United, a player and marketing executive who helped welcome new recruits and who lived for the club beyond the pitch. She had worked in the club’s community department on a modest salary and was known as “Miss Sheffield United.” The family has since established the MC8 Foundation to support girls’ participation in football and community work tied to Cusack’s legacy, but they say the club has not followed them on social media or contributed to the foundation’s work; they have taken fundraising events to Derby County’s Pride Park in recent summers.

Across football, the tradition of retiring numbers is not unique to Cusack’s case. Clubs have long honored players by banning a jersey from wearing for future generations. Manchester City’s No. 23 for Marc-Vivien Foe has never been worn again since Foe’s death in a 2003 Confederations Cup match for Cameroon; Rochdale preserves No. 15 for Joe Thompson, who died of cancer at 36; AFC Rushden & Diamonds retired No. 1 after goalkeeper Dale Roberts took his own life; Hartlepool United keeps No. 25 for Michael Maidens, killed in a road accident; QPR honors No. 31 for Ray Jones; Millwall retired No. 20 for Matija Sarkic; Wycombe Wanderers preserve No. 14 for Mark Philo, among others. The tally runs into the dozens, with hundreds of cases worldwide.

The clash over No. 8 at Sheffield United comes as the inquest into Cusack’s death proceeds and as the club confronts questions about its internal culture and handling of bereavement. Supporters and family members say the club should reflect the depth of its commitment to Cusack’s memory by honoring her in a manner that matches the broader football world’s demonstrated respect for players who die young or suffer tragedy. Whether the club ultimately retires No. 8 or maintains the current policy, the episode highlights the pressures on football institutions to balance tradition, transparency, and genuine compassion in the wake of personal tragedy.