Lambs mourn tragic George

GEORGE BALDOCK: 1993-2024

By Jon Couch

SAD LOSS: George Baldock was much loved during two loan spells at Tamworth

PICTURE: Alamy

TAMWORTH, and ex-manager Marcus Law, have paid fitting tributes to former player George Baldock, who tragically passed away at his home in Greece this week at the age of just 31.

Baldock made 18 appearances for the Lambs across two separate loan spells as a teenager at MK Dons back in 2012.

He went on to enjoy a glittering playing career, first at Oxford United, and then at Sheffield United where he made over 200 appearances, several of which in the Premier League under Chris Wilder.

After seven years at Bra-mall Lane, Baldock moved to Greece to sign for Panathinaikos, making four appearances for the Super League giants, including a 0-0 draw with local rivals Olympiakos last weekend.

Respectful

With Greek ancestry on his grandmother’s side, Buckingham-born Baldock was also a regular for the Greece national team having been convinced to play by then head coach Gus Poyet.

He went on to win 12 international caps, last playing for his country earlier this year, but wasn’t selected in the squad to face England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday.

Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada on Wednesday.

Former Tamworth boss Law first signed full-back Baldock at the tail end of the 2011-12 season, and then brought him back to The Lamb for a second spell the start of the following campaign.

“He was a vibrant young man who was keen to progress,” Law told The NLP.

“He was respectful and was very grateful to Tamworth for the opportunity which he took with both hands, and was a major part to an exciting and technical midfield with Lee Hendrie, Marcus Kelly and Lloyd Kerry.

“He was another example of carrying yourself and committed to his dream regardless of the diversions to the journey.

“He will be sadly missed, not just in the football world.”

Former teammate JJ O’Donnell, now a player-coach at Dunston UTS, added on X: “From playing alongside him as a young lad at MK Dons, to playing against him years later when he was on loan at Tamworth.

Character

“A good lad who went on to do very well for himself in the game. So, so sad seeing he’s passed away so young. RIP George.”

A heart-warming club statement read: “Tamworth FC are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our former player George Baldock.

“George joined Tamworth in 2012 at the start of his career from MK Dons on loan and made 18 appearances for the Lambs and also made his way onto the scoresheet.

“A brilliant character and a brilliant person, George went on to fulfil his potential and will always be remembered by everyone associated with the club.

“Tamworth FC send our sincere condolences to George Baldock’s family, friends and everyone associated with him. A Lamb gone but never forgotten

“Rest in Peace George Baldock, the Lamb that made it all the way, we will forever miss you.”