Greek side Panathinaikos might pay the entirety of George Baldock’s contract to his family and organise a charity match with the proceeds also going to his fiancé and family.
Baldock signed a three year deal with the side from Athens last summer, after a seven year spell at Sheffield United making 83 appearances in the Premier League, but died on Wednesday night, when greek authorities found him in his pool at his home, leaving behind a one year old son, Brody and his fiancé, Annabel Dignam.
Inside sources have suggested that Panathinaikos is a club with “strong values” and a “compassionate owner” who will look after the Baldock family.
The news came shortly before Buckingham FC held a minute silence for Baldock ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Arseley Town in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy.
The minute’s silence was also in commemoration of Richard Shirley, a Winslow United legend who had many a battle with Buckingham Athletic over the years.
Newly appointed Buckingham manager, Scott Reynolds, knew both of the players and before the game said: “George was a Moretonville Junior before going to on to have an incredible professional career at MK Dons and Sheffield United.
“Shirls was a Winslow United and local football legend, both were known personally to me and many others around the club, so tonight we hold a minute silence to mark our respects and think of both their families and friends at this terrible time.”
Tributes have poured in from around the world for Baldock and his family during the past few days and Sheffield United fans have raised thousands of pounds for a Baldock banner, which will cover a third of the Kop at Bramall Lane ahead of their next home game.
These tributes include Dele Alli, former England international, a teammate of Baldock’s while they were at MK Dons and a fellow member of the famous Dons team that beat Manchester United 4-0 in 2014.
