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Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
George Baldock drowned in pool day before he was due to fly home for son's birthday
Former Sheffield United star George Baldock died at his home in Athens last October and an inquest into his death heard no drugs or alcohol were found in his system Ex-Premier League star George Baldock drowned in the swimming pool at his Athens home just a day before he was due to fly home for his son's first birthday, an inquest into his death heard. Baldock, 31, was found dead in the Greek capital where he was plying his trade for Panathinaikos. The former Sheffield United defender had no drugs or alcohol in his system and there was no evidence of criminal activity, the court in Buckinghamshire was told. His death has been ruled an accident. The inquest also heard that Baldock had a very large heart 'that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias' - an irregular heartbeat, either too fast or too slow. Baldock had played a club fixture just three days before the incident. His worried fiancee raised the alarm after failing to contact him, before the owner of the house he was living him found his body in the pool. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Baldock could not be saved. "George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person," his family said in a statement. "Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. "We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son." Baldock came through the youth ranks at MK Dons and played 125 times for the club over an eight-year period, scoring twice and winning their player of the season award in 2015-16. He had loan spells at Northampton, Tamworth and Oxford while with the Dons, but he made his name at Bramall Lane after moving to Sheffield United in 2017. In seven years with the Blades, he established himself as a fan favourite scoring six times from right-back in 219 appearances. He helped United to the Premier League twice, finishing runners-up in the Championship in both 2018-19 and 2022-23. Baldock left for Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024 and played just four times for his new club before the tragic incident. He qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother and made his debut in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in June 2022. In all, he would earn 12 senior caps. Greece played against England at Wembley the day after his death with the match going ahead despite his grief-stricken teammates only learning of his passing the previous night. Tributes were paid before the game which Greece won 2-1. Baldock's shirt was held aloft after their first goal and following the full-time whistle.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Premier League star ‘drowned in pool in Greece on day before he was due to fly back to UK for son's first birthday'
No drugs or alcohol found in defender's system, inquest told FOOTIE TRAGEDY Ex-Premier League star 'drowned in pool in Greece on day before he was due to fly back to UK for son's first birthday' A FORMER Premier League star drowned in his pool in Greece on the day before he was due to fly back to the UK for his son's birthday, an inquest heard. George Baldock was discovered at his home in Athens in October where he had been living after signing for Panathinaikos. 3 George Baldock drowned in his pool in Athens Credit: PA A coroner today ruled the death of the 31-year-old, who had previously played for MK Dons and Sheffield United, was an accident. The inquest in Buckinghamshire was told no evidence of criminal activity was found by Greek police. A post mortem also found no drugs or alcohol in his system, with his cause of death given as drowning. It also showed Baldock had a very large heart "that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias" - meaning his heart beat too fast or slow. The court heard the defender had played a club fixture just three days before the horror. Baldock had also tragically been due to fly home to the UK the following day to celebrate his son's first birthday. Previous reports said his worried partner had raised the alarm after she struggled to track him down. The owner of the house in the Glyfada area of Athens then discovered Baldock in the pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate the footballer but tragically he couldn't be saved. His family said: "George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. "Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. "We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son." Although he was born in England, Baldock played for Greece 12 times through his nan's heritage. After graduating from MK Dons' youth academy, he had stints at Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town. Baldock moved to Sheffield United in 2017 and made more than 219 appearances for the club. He earned the nickname Furious George due to his aggressive all-action style. The footballer left the club in 2024 to sign for Panathinaikos, where he made four appearances before his tragic death. Tributes flooded in for Baldock following the horror, including from Manchester United star Harry Maguire, who graduated through the Blades' youth team before leaving in 2014. He posted a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji. Panathinaikos said in a statement: "We are shocked by the loss of our George. "The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock." While Sheffield United said: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him. "The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends." 3 Baldock had moved to Athens to play for Panathinaikos Credit: EPA
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee
ANDY MURRAY could qualify for golf's Open Championship next year. The two-time Wimbledon champion retired from tennis last summer after a legendary career. 3 Andy Murray could try and qualify for next year's Open Credit: Alamy But since hanging up his racquet, he has dusted off his golf clubs instead. And he has enjoyed a Murray, 38, shows not signs of slowing down in his pursuit of getting to scratch. He READ MORE ON THE OPEN And if he can get his handicap to 0.4 - and stump up the £200 fee - he could enter regional qualifying for next year's 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Ex-Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie both gave it a go in 2025 but did not progress. But Ryder Cup hero Ludvig Aberg threw his full support behind Murray's golf game. The Swede, 25, said: "He brings it up really nicely with the hands. Most read in Golf CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The club face is quite neutral, so it's not going to be biased whether he hits a draw or a fade. "Considering it's someone who played tennis at this level, it's pretty stinking good. Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence before pair burst out laughing The Open 2025 ONE of the most anticipated Opens in years is finally here. Can THE OPEN 2025 LIVE - Follow all the latest updates from Royal Portrush TIPS AND FREE BETS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW... The Open 2025 schedule and tee times TOP STORIES... "In any sport or any profession, whether it's golf or tennis or something else, you need to spend time on it. "The technique of golf is quite tricky, naturally, so you do need to spend a lot of time on it." Aberg - who shot a four-under 67 to move to -2 after round two of The Open - added to the "Man, I was impressed! "They told us to be as honest as we can but I just didn't know what to say. "I think he's going to be able to play really good golf in the future." 3 Ludvig Aberg was singing Murray's praises after watching his swing Credit: Getty 3
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee
ANDY MURRAY could qualify for golf's Open Championship next year. The two-time Wimbledon champion retired from tennis last summer after a legendary career. 3 Andy Murray could try and qualify for next year's Open Credit: Alamy But since hanging up his racquet, he has dusted off his golf clubs instead. And he has enjoyed a stunning year on the course by getting his handicap down to a reported 1.9. Murray, 38, shows not signs of slowing down in his pursuit of getting to scratch. He beat Carlos Alcaraz in their three-match mini-series during the Spaniard's run to the Wimbledon final. READ MORE ON THE OPEN HARRY PUTTER Thomas tries casting spell on ball in desperate attempt to nail birdie putt And if he can get his handicap to 0.4 - and stump up the £200 fee - he could enter regional qualifying for next year's 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Ex-Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie both gave it a go in 2025 but did not progress. But Ryder Cup hero Ludvig Aberg threw his full support behind Murray's golf game. The Swede, 25, said: "He brings it up really nicely with the hands. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The club face is quite neutral, so it's not going to be biased whether he hits a draw or a fade. "Considering it's someone who played tennis at this level, it's pretty stinking good. Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence before pair burst out laughing "In any sport or any profession, whether it's golf or tennis or something else, you need to spend time on it. "The technique of golf is quite tricky, naturally, so you do need to spend a lot of time on it." Aberg - who shot a four-under 67 to move to -2 after round two of The Open - added to the Daily Mail: "Hey, that swing was really good! Like it was really, really good! "Man, I was impressed! "They told us to be as honest as we can but I just didn't know what to say. "I think he's going to be able to play really good golf in the future." 3 Ludvig Aberg was singing Murray's praises after watching his swing Credit: Getty
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson can't wait for Melbourne clash
The Reds, fresh for securing an historic third successive promotion, are preparing for a first Championship campaign in 43 years with a tour to Australia and New Zealand. After facing Melbourne, Wrexham play two more matches against A-League opposition - Sydney FC on July 15 (Allianz Stadium) in Australia and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on July 19 (Sky Stadium) - during the trip. The games are important in the build-up to the new season, which starts with a clash against Southampton at St Marys Stadium on Saturday August 9, but Parkinson stressed the importance of enjoying the tour. He told the official club website: 'There's a real passion for the sport here in Australia, particularly Melbourne. It's great to be over here and we're looking forward to the tour. 'It's important to get a feel for the city and we can't wait to play on Friday. 'Pre-season is so important to us because we get back to the UK with two weeks to go before our first season in the Championship for 43 years. 'We want the lads to enjoy these games and the experience.' Parkinson has named a 30-man squad for the trio of games with academy graduates Alex Moore, Max Purvis and Callum Edwards on board and they are set to get their chance to impress in the matches. 'We've got a good squad over here with some of our young players which is important," said the Reds' boss. 'We've built our Academy up over the last couple of years and it's important to try and give them as much game time as possible. 'Over the coming days I'll start watching their games and we'll study Melbourne Victory and how they play.' It's been an amazing journey under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with Wrexham climbing from the National League to the second tier at a rapid rate. The Reds will make the biggest step-up yet when they play in the Championship but it is a challenge that Parkinson is relishing. MORE WREXHAM AFC NEWS Phil Parkinson: The heat is off for Wrexham in Australia and New Zealand! Fitness is priority but Ryan Longman wants Wrexham win against Melbourne Ex-Premier League star feels Tom Cairney could be tempted by move to Wrexham "The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in world football and it's exciting for us," he added. 'When you look back at us three years ago playing in the National League to preparing for the Championship, it's a huge challenge for us. 'Everyone has to raise their game in all areas and that's what it is all about. 'There's a huge passion from our supporters in Wrexham and I can imagine they'll be a lot of bleary-eyed supporters staying up through the night to watch the games.'
