Maddy Cusack: Sheffield United pay tribute in first Women's Championship game since her death
- Published
Players, officials and fans held a minute's applause in memory of Maddy Cusack
Sheffield United paid tribute to midfielder Maddy Cusack in their first Women's Championship game since her death as they won 3-1 against London City Lionesses at Bramall Lane.
The 27-year-old, who was the first player to reach 100 appearances for the team last season, died in September.
United players warmed up in black T-shirts with Cusack's photograph on.
A minute's applause took place before the match, with both sets of players wearing black armbands.
Prior to that, a eulogy was read out, followed by a three-minute tribute video.
Cusack had been at United since 2019 and also worked in the club's marketing department.
Police are not treating Cusack's death as suspicious.
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'You are at the forefront of our minds'
Sheffield United fell behind to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah's first-half opener for the London City Lionesses but a second-half rally from the hosts saw Isobel Goodwin grab two and Ash Hodson also score to earn a fitting three points.
Captain Sophie Barker, who lived with Cusack, wrote a heartfelt tribute in the matchday programme, saying she would never forget her close friend.
"What can I say, having to write this has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," she wrote.
"What you meant to me, the girls and the club I would find hard to summarise into any words.
"The laughs, the terrible nicknames (for every single one of the girls), the passion, the energy, and most of all pure love you had for us all (in your own little way) will never be replaced.
"Within football we will continue to carry your legacy through every day. We will work tirelessly as a team to make you proud.
"You have been one of the best Sheffield United Women players to have graced the pitch and we will not allow that to be ever forgotten.
"We know the fans won't either, as we all know you were the favourite (Mrs Sheffield United). Everything from now on is with you at the forefront of our minds, especially when we enter every tackle.
"On a personal note, the precious memories we have I will constantly look back on and smile. I have spent some of the best years of my life with you by my side.
"The endless laughs, our trips away, holidays, nights out, training sessions, matches and our many long walks will stay with me forever.
"My room-mate, my housemate, my best mate. I love you and miss you more than anything Mads."
Sheffield United's Fran Stenson warmed up while wearing a Maddy Cusack T-shirt
The Blades' fixture against Crystal Palace, due to be played last Saturday, was postponed.
The club said they were "devastated" by her passing while men's manager Paul Heckingbottom said Cusack was a "big part of everything" at the club.
Saturday's Women's Championship game against London City Lionesses was originally scheduled for Sunday but was moved forward to allow former team-mates of Cusack's to attend.
London City Lionesses joined in with a round of applause for Maddy Cusack before their match against Sheffield United
Players from both teams wore black armbands