RIP GEORGE BALDOCK

 

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31. The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, southern Athens. The initial coroner's findings suggest he drowned and police say they have ruled out any criminal activity. His body was found on October 9th at 22:30 local time (20:30 BST) on Wednesday.

Police attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene but he could not be revived and medical emergency units confirmed his death, Reuters news agency reported, citing a police official.

Baldock had joined Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer after seven years at the Blades. "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away," a family statement said. "As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss." The club said;

"The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."

Sheffield United also expressed their shock at the news, saying: "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him."

Baldock had made four appearances for Panathinaikos and started in their goalless draw with Olympiakos on Sunday. He was capped 12 times by Greece, who he qualified for through his grandmother. Greece play England in the Nations League on Thursday, although Baldock had not been selected for the game.

The Greece national team said in a statement: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock."

Baldock started his career at MK Dons in 2009 and played more than 100 times for them. He had loan spells with several clubs including Northampton and Oxford United, before joining Sheffield United in 2017. He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the club, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and again in 2023.

Baldock was born in Buckingham but opted to represent Greece in May 2022, when he was called up for the national team for the first time by manager Gus Poyet. He made his debut for the country the following month in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Baldock's former Sheffield United team-mate Dean Henderson posted a picture of the pair on Instagram with the caption: "Devastated to hear the news today. A friend, great teammate, great player and also a great family man. Sending all my love to all the family. RIP brother."

Paul Heckingbottom, who managed Baldock for 18 months at Sheffield United, wrote on X: "Numbing to hear of George Baldock’s passing, a man with so much still ahead of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son."

"George was a super person and a fantastic professional who was admired and adored by all who worked with him. My prayers are with his loved ones right now."

Former Greece manager Gus Poyet, who gave Baldock his international debut in 2022, said: "My love and condolences are with George's family and friends. I'm devastated. Rest in peace George."

The English Football League said in a statement: "The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Baldock, a player who made a lasting impact with spells across the league at Sheffield United, at Oxford United, Northampton Town and MK Dons."

Baldock came through the youth system at MK Dons - as did his brother Sam - and the club said: "We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock."

Northampton Town posted: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31".

Oxford United, where Baldock's brother James is club doctor, said: "Oxford United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock, aged 31."

Tamworth Football Club, where Baldock also had a loan spell, early in his career, described him as "a brilliant character and a brilliant person", adding, "George went on to fulfil his potential and will always be remembered by everyone associated with club".