Baldock, who had been playing for Greek side Panathinaikos, made over 200 appearances for Sheffield United during his seven-year stint at Bramall Lane, helping the club secure two promotions to the Premier League.
The tribute included a minute’s applause that resonated throughout the stadium, with players donning black armbands in his memory. Jack Robinson and Ethan Ampadu laid white wreaths beside the pitch, while a poignant image of Baldock appeared on the big screen, witnessed by the somber Sheffield United supporters.
Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, who played alongside Baldock, shared his sadness: “It’s difficult. He was my partner when he was here. Me and him would dominate on the right side when we would play together.”
Reflecting on their connection, Ahmedhodzic added, “He was the first one that really brought me into the group. It’s hard to put into words but he was such a great guy and it’s very, very, very sad. For me personally, and for people I know, it’s been a hard week,” as reported by *The Mirror*.
Chris Basham, another former teammate, expressed his sorrow, saying: “First of all, condolences to his fiancée and his family. I was hit by it hard. My memories are a lot of games alongside him, and I knew he’d always be there.”
Basham acknowledged the competitive edge Baldock brought to the team: “It wasn’t always merry; it was sometimes feisty with me and him. That’s the kind of character he was—he wanted the best out of himself and out of everybody else around him.”
He further described Baldock as the life of the dressing room: “He was definitely the heartbeat of the dressing room. He’d be the first to put the music on and get the boys rallied up ready for the game. One-on-one he was probably the best I played with, he was very hard to get past and set his standards very high, playing against the best in the world internationally and for his club.”
He further expressed his heartfelt wishes for the match, saying: “I’m hoping that both teams tonight can give him the best he deserves because he was an outstanding person and an outstanding footballer as well.”
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reflected on the emotional situation before the game, stating: “It’s been really difficult. It puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it?” Wilder, clearly affected, added: “We’re in the industry of football, we’re football people, but there’s something far more important than the game on Friday.”
Addressing the challenge of the moment, he said: “I’m having to talk about the game, and also about the sad passing of a player who meant so much to everyone here at Sheffield United.”
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