Cusack,  27, died at her home address in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.

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Derbyshire Police said at the time there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

She was vice-captain of the Blades and the side’s longest serving player as well as their first to reach 100 appearances for the women’s team.

A speech, read by her mum, Deborah, at a memorial service in October has now been published by her family, which has also been shared on the Maddy Cusack Foundation JustGiving page.

The tribute said: “My beautiful daughter, Madeleine. The saddest and most utterly heart-breaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football.

“From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected, was allowed to be broken, taking her away from me.”

In an additional statement the family revealed Sheffield United have agreed to appoint a firm to carry out a probe into the events surrounding Maddy’s death.

The statement said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.

“Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not. Those that didn’t know her need to know that.

“Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, care-free girl with everything to live for and last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest.

“This all changed gradually from February this year.

“It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United have agreed, at the request of Maddy’s family, to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27.

“The Maddy Cusack Foundation — Fierce, Determined and Spirited #MC8.”

Cusack joined the club from Leicester in 2019 and also worked in the Blades’ commercial department as a marketing executive.

An inquest was opened in October at Derby Coroner’s Court and adjourned, as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.

The hearing heard how it was Cusack’s devastated dad who identified her body.

Assistant Coroner Louise Pinder told the short hearing Ms Cusack’s death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner’s Court by police on September 21.

The hearing, which was only attended by members of the press, was also told her cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

Ms Pinder added: “We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course.”

Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of her death, which came as she entered a sixth season with her club – having signed a new deal in July.

The club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said in a tribute: “This is heart-breaking 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.

“While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”

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