Sheffield United rocked by tragic death of former favourite George Baldock at age of just 31

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Sheffield United supporters have been rocked tonight by the shocking death of former favourite George Baldock, at the age of just 31. The former Blades defender left United and moved to Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer and was found dead in his swimming pool this evening, as reported in the Greek media.

Baldock, formerly of MK Dons before moving to United, was a senior Greek international and a hugely popular figure during his time at Bramall Lane, where he helped the Blades twice win promotion to the Premier League and was a key member of the side that finished ninth in the top-flight. He also won his first caps for Greece whilst at United, after qualifying for them through a grandparent.

A statement from the Greek Super League on Twitter this evening read: “The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Police in Athens are conducting an investigation, with early reports from Greece that Baldock was found in the swimming pool of his villa. He was not included in the Greece squad for Thursday’s Nations League game against England and won 12 caps for his country.

Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock did not grow up dreaming of playing for Sheffield United but after moving up north, he fell in love with the club and epitomised everything that it stands for – commitment, hard work and graft, with no little quality as well. He experienced life in the National League with Tamworth and went on loan to Iceland; he rose up the leagues and scored in the top-flight away at Tottenham Hotspur, looking every inch a Premier League wing-back in that first division.

A fierce competitor on the pitch who adopted a persona that saw him nicknamed “Furious George” by some supporters, away from the field he was a humble and all-round decent character. His time at Bramall Lane was some ride and in his final interview before leaving he admitted that he would always be a fan of the Blades. Fly high, Starman.