Chris Wilder pays tribute to Sheffield United legend George Baldock | OneFootball

George Baldock spent seven unforgettable years at Sheffield United Football Club, after joining in the summer of 2017, where he left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, teammates, and coaches alike.

His time at Bramall Lane was filled with milestones and memories that will forever be cherished by the Blades faithful, who embraced Baldock as one of their own. Among his many accomplishments, Baldock helped the team win two promotions to the Premier League, with his contributions being crucial to the club’s remarkable ninth-place finish during the 2019/20 season in the top flight. His individual performances eventually led to him being called up to the Greece international team, where he earned 12 caps.

Baldock’s relentless work ethic, commitment on the pitch, and vibrant personality made him a central figure within the squad. He embodied the qualities that Sheffield United fans value most: a willingness to give everything for the team.

His influence went far beyond his performances, shaping the club’s culture and values during a golden era under manager Chris Wilder.

The news of George Baldock’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the football community, leaving those closest to him, as well as the supporters who adored him, stunned and heartbroken.

Rest in Peace, George Baldock. Forever a Sheffield United legend.

Chris Wilder on the passing of Sheffield United legend George Baldock

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, who coached Baldock during one of the club’s most successful periods, expressed his profound sense of loss when reflecting on Baldock’s passing on SUTV. “Just stunned, really,” Wilder said. “Speaking to my wife and I’m quite matter-of-fact, but this just feels completely different to everybody I’ve spoken to. I’ve spoken to pals of mine who are massive Sheffield United fans, people I’m working with, players, ex-players, managers, and everyone’s just absolutely stunned and numb.”

Wilder was particularly sensitive to the devastating impact Baldock’s death would have on his family, especially his wife and their young children. “You look at it really selfishly,” Wilder said. “I managed George for a number of years, but really I shouldn’t look at it from a selfish point of view. I should look at it from the devastation it’s caused to his young family. If I’m feeling this and players, ex-players, staff, supporters are feeling this, what are they feeling at this particular moment? It’s just tragic.”

George Baldock was not only a fierce competitor but also a humble and respected figure off the field. As Wilder noted, Baldock’s contributions were often understated, yet integral to the success of the team. “He wasn’t one to grab the headlines, but George was a huge personality and a huge driver,” he said. “He was a huge culture carrier in everything we did and how we wanted it to look.”

During Sheffield United’s promotions and their celebrated Premier League run, Baldock consistently stood up against some of the top talents in the game, from Wilfried Zaha to Raheem Sterling, and Jack Grealish, and Son Heung-min, and he delivered stellar performances week in and week out.

Wilder highlighted Baldock’s willingness to face off against the best, noting his respect for opponents but also his fierce competitiveness once the whistle blew.

“He used to make me smile because one week it was Wilf Zaha, the next it was Sterling, the next it was Grealish, all these absolute top-drawer players, and he was seeing them off game by game,” Wilder recalled. “He set the tone for everything along with the others. He was an absolute pleasure to manage.”

Wilder finished the very emotional interview off by saying, quite rightly, George Baldock will go down as a Sheffield United legend, and we shall never forget him as a player, and as a special human being.

May You Rest in Peace, George Baldock.