Family of Maddy Cusack left 'heartbroken' as Sheffield United refuse to retire No.8 shirt despite her tragic death

As revealed by The Athletic, more than 1,200 supporters signed a petition calling for the No.8 to be put beyond use forever. Tributes elsewhere have set a clear precedent: Liverpool retired Diogo Jota’s number, Millwall honoured Matija Sarkic, and Swansea did the same with Besian Idrizaj. For many, the Blades’ decision jars even more because Cusack’s number has not been reissued since her death, a tacit admission of its importance, yet not the full tribute her family believes she deserves.

United initially stalled, insisting they would wait for the inquest. But in November 2023, Cusack’s family discovered, not through a personal call, but via the minutes of a Fans’ Advisory Board meeting, that the shirt would not be retired.

Chief executive Stephen Bettis defended the stance, claiming: "Keeping the number in existence gives a reminder of who has worn it previously and keeps Maddy’s memory alive”.

That justification has only deepened the rift, with relatives and ex-teammates questioning whether the refusal links back to their official complaint about how she was treated in her final months at the club.

The tragedy coincided with Jonathan Morgan’s arrival as manager, and the inquest, now delayed until January, will examine whether his behaviour contributed to the decline in Cusack’s mental health. Morgan, now out of football entirely, denies any misconduct and insists he is the victim of a “witch hunt.” Until that hearing, the Blades say any long-term tribute will remain on hold. They have promised to mark the second anniversary during the men’s clash with Charlton at Bramall Lane, but the family say that falls far short of the honour Maddy deserves.

Writing for the Maddy Cusack Foundation, Deborah penned: "I am, however, heartbroken and deeply saddened by the seeming reluctance to retire Maddy’s number eight shirt. This is the deepest mark of respect and honour that is bestowed upon a current player when tragedy befalls them. I look around at others who have been lost and they are afforded this immediately – without pressure, or indeed without mothers having to write these words.”

She added, "Maddy absolutely loved Sheffield United,” her mother added. “She wore her shirt with the utmost pride and showed the same loyalty and commitment both on and off the pitch.

“The number eight shirt has not been given to any other player since the loss of Maddy. To us, this indicates that Sheffield United understand the gravity of her shirt and the meaning behind it. Yet, instead of honouring her and celebrating her, they would rather leave it, untouched and disregarded.”

For now, the shirt remains in limbo: not worn, not retired, and at the heart of a bitter row between grieving relatives and the club Maddy adored. With the inquest looming and emotions raw, the fight over the No.8 has become about more than a number; it’s about memory, respect, and a family desperate to see their daughter honoured in the way football has so often shown before.