SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.
Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.
Baldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.
The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.
And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.
All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.
And Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.
The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold.
Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”
And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.
Goals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.
The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.
Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.
He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.
Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone.
Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate 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.”
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