Sheffield United honored their former player, George Baldock, with an emotional tribute following their successful qualification for the play-off final.
The name of Baldock resonated throughout Bramall Lane after the Blades secured a commanding 6-0 aggregate victory against Bristol City in the semi-finals on Monday evening.
Baldock passed away tragically at his home in Athens in October 2024, having joined the Greek club Panathinaikos FC the previous summer.
The cause of death was drowning in his swimming pool; efforts by medical personnel to revive him were unsuccessful.
Following their qualification for the final at Wembley on May 24, Baldock`s previous club arranged a heartfelt commemoration.
Supporters across the stadium united in singing “Starman,” a chant dedicated to Baldock, set to the tune of David Bowie`s classic song from his time at the club.
Manager Chris Wilder`s team also paid their respects by parading a Greek flag around the pitch after the final whistle.
The flag featured “Star Man” and Baldock`s former shirt number, No. 2, prominently displayed.
Before the match began, a large tifo banner was unfurled in the home section, showing Baldock`s image alongside the message: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”
Midfielder Tom Davies, formerly of Everton, was seen walking with the Greek flag draped over him at the end of the match.
Goals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer, and Callum O`Hare sealed a 3-0 home win in the second leg, building upon the equally decisive victory achieved away at Ashton Gate.
The Blades are set to compete against either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks` time; Sunderland currently hold a 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg on Tuesday night.
Baldock accumulated over 400 appearances in English football throughout his career, spending seven seasons at Bramall Lane before his move to Panathinaikos last summer.
During his time with the Blades, he played 219 matches across all competitions, contributing to their promotions to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
He was discovered unresponsive in his swimming pool after his partner, who was in the UK at the time, reportedly alerted authorities when she couldn`t reach him by phone.
In their tribute, his family described him: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate, and person.”
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those who were fortunate enough to know you, as well as those who adored you from the stands.”
