Sheffield United paid a deeply emotional tribute to their late club legend George Baldock after successfully booking their spot in the upcoming play-off final.
Baldock`s name resonated throughout Bramall Lane on Monday night following the Blades` decisive 6-0 aggregate semi-final victory over Bristol City.
George Baldock was tragically found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 at the age of just 31. He had joined Greek club Panathinaikos FC the previous summer after spending seven successful seasons at Bramall Lane.
Reports indicated that the former right wing-back`s death was a result of drowning in his swimming pool, and emergency responders were unable to revive him.
Having secured their spot in the play-off final at Wembley on May 24th, Baldock`s former club ensured a touching tribute was paid in his memory.
Supporters in all areas of the stadium rose together to sing `Starman`, a popular chant during Baldock`s playing career at the club, set to the melody of David Bowie`s classic song.
Following the final whistle, manager Chris Wilder`s squad also paid their respects by parading a Greek flag around the pitch.
The flag featured the phrase `Star Man` and Baldock`s former shirt number 2, displayed prominently in bold.
Before the match began, a significant tifo banner was unveiled over the home stands. It depicted Baldock`s image along with the enduring message: `Once a Blade, always a Blade.`
Among those seen with the Greek flag draped around them after the match was former Everton player Tom Davies.
The 3-0 victory in the second leg at Bramall Lane, courtesy of goals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer, and Callum O`Hare, completed a comprehensive 6-0 aggregate win over Bristol City, following their first-leg success by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.
Sheffield United is set to face the winner of the other semi-final tie, contested between Sunderland and Coventry, in the final at Wembley in two weeks. Sunderland held a 2-1 lead going into their second leg on Tuesday night.
Baldock had a distinguished career in English football, making over 400 appearances in total. He spent seven highly-regarded seasons at Bramall Lane before his move to Greece last summer.
He featured 219 times for the Blades across all competitions, playing a vital role in their promotions to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
Reports indicated that Baldock was found unresponsive in his swimming pool after his partner, who was in the UK, became concerned when he did not answer calls and alerted the authorities.
In a poignant tribute, his family released a statement saying: `You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.`
They added, `Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those who were fortunate enough to know you and those who adored you from the stands.`
