Latest news with #ex-SheffieldUnited
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ex-Prem star died in pool day before he was due to fly home for son's birthday
Former Premier League footballer George Baldock tragically drowned in the swimming pool at his Athens residence just one day before he was scheduled to return home for his son's first birthday, an inquest into his death has revealed. Baldock, 31, was discovered dead in the Greek capital where he was playing for Panathinaikos. The ex-Sheffield United defender had no substances or alcohol in his system and there was no indication of foul play, the court in Buckinghamshire was informed. His death has been classified as accidental. The inquest also revealed that Baldock had an enlarged 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
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Spanish football in mourning as star, 23, dies after 15 days in a coma following horror car crash
REST IN PEACE Spanish football in mourning as star, 23, dies after 15 days in a coma following horror car crash SPANISH football has been plunged into mourning after Las Palmas star Zeben Ramos died following a horrific car smash. The Canary Islands club, relegated from La Liga last month, signed the defender from Villa Santa Brigida. 1 Zeben Ramos has tragically died after a car crash put him in a coma Credit: Las Palmas FC But Ramos, 23, was involved in a road traffic collision on Gran Canaria earlier this month. He remained in a coma for 15 days while medics battled to save his life. But Las Palmas announced the left-back has now passed away as a result of his injuries. They said: "UD Las Palmas deeply regret having to announce the passing of Zebensui Ramos Gonzalez, known in football as Zeben. "The Las Palmas C team player, aged 23, was unable to overcome the severe injuries he sustained in a tragic collision on June 9 at Arucas on Gran Canaria. "A versatile left-sided defender with great prospects, Zeben stood out due to his commitment, character and ability to adapt to various defensive roles. "His non-stop hard work and his attitude on and off the pitch earned him the chance to repeatedly train with [reserve team] Las Palmas Atletico. "We wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates, and to everyone who accompanied him during his football career. "The entire Yellows family unites in grief at Zeben's loss. He will forever remain in our hearts." Ramos rubbed shoulders with a host of past and current Premier League players at Las Palmas last term. Their squad included ex-Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, former Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna and ex-Sheffield United frontman Oli McBurnie. Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajectic and Wolves ace Fabio Silva spent time on loan to the Canaries club. Last season, the club were relegated as they finished 19th in their 20-team top flight.
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Maddy Cusack's ex-boss slams 'one-sided' witness list at inquest preparation
Former Sheffield United manager at centre of investigation in death of Maddy Cusack has claimed list of witnesses has been "manipulated" to side with family of ex-footballer Maddy Cusack's former manager has made an extraordinary accusation that a witness list for the coroner's investigation into the ex-Sheffield United player's death has been "manipulated" to side against him. Jonathan Morgan, speaking via video link at a pre-inquest hearing at Chesterfield coroner's court on Tuesday, claimed that the witnesses are "one sided" towards Ms Cusack's family, who allege that her relationship with the coach had affected her mental health. The footballer was found dead at her parents' home in September 2023, aged 27. "From day one, everyone that's been interviewed or spoken to has been one sided, with the family. It's only fair for me to put forward witnesses in that environment to refute and challenge the credibility of some of these witnesses," he said. Morgan, who was sacked by Sheffield United after they learnt he had a relationship with a player at a previous club, added: "There's been a manipulation of information over the past 18 months." Written evidence was also read out during the pre-inquest hearing, including from former team-mates of Ms Cusack. Goalkeeper Fran Kitching told investigators that during one game Morgan said to Ms Cusack: 'You've always been a ******* fruitcake, Maddy.' Kithcing added that 'this type of abuse was not uncommon for Jonathan Morgan.' Another player, Nat Johnson, claimed in a statement that during another game Morgan shouted at Cusack: "Still a pyscho then, Maddy." Morgan strenuously denies making those comments. An enquiry commissioned by Sheffield United and carried out by former superintendent Dennis Shotton said there was no evidence of wrongdoing. But the Football Association have also been investigating Ms Cusack's death with 45 witnesses interviewed. An update is expected later in 2025. Dean Armstrong KC, representing Ms Cusack's family, said they want the inquest to be heard by a jury and that it would focus on Morgan's "bullying behaviour." He added: "There was then and there continues to be a significant difference between the men's game and the women's game in terms of resource but also in terms of how people are dealt with. "There is that significant public interest in looking at how people conduct themselves within the women's game and what the support network is for those vulnerable females such as Maddy." A date has not yet been decided. The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@ or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
