Chris Wilder ‘stunned and stunned’ after George Baldock’s tragic death | football

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says he was “stunned and stunned” following the tragic death of his former player George Baldock.

The football world was shocked on Wednesday when it was revealed that Baldock, 31, had died at his home in Athens after drowning while swimming in his pool.

Baldock recently moved to Greece, joining Panathinaikos in the last summer transfer window to end a seven-year spell at Sheffield United.

Wilder, currently in his second spell as Blades manager, knew the England defender very well, having mentored him in his first spell as manager.

“I’m really stunned,” Wilder said in a video posted to Sheffield United’s official X account.

“I’m being completely matter-of-fact, I think we’re getting to an age where we’re attending more and more funerals.”

“Of course you lose people you love and respect over the course of your life, but it just feels completely different for everyone.”

“Everyone is really completely stunned and numb. It’s just tragic.’

Affectionately known as “Starman” by Sheffield United fans, Baldock helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

He was also part of the Blades team that impressively finished ninth in the top flight the following season under Wilder.

“He wasn’t one of the headlines,” Wilder added. “But George was a great personality, a great driver, a great culture bearer.” George embodied everything on the field and off the field.

“He was a humble person. We had arguments, arguments arose, but we all pushed forward and strived for the same outcome in everything we did.

“Just thinking about it now, families have lost a son, players have lost a brother. “Those guys who went into battle with George and he rose to every challenge. He was an absolute joy to manage. “He gave his maximum in everything he did and that’s what every Sheffield United fan wants.”

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