Tributes to George Baldock at Elland Road as Sheffield United travel to Leeds United
Sheffield United and Leeds United have paid tribute to former Blades defender George Baldock as they faced each other in the first Championship match since his death.
The Blades travelled to Elland Road on Friday, nine days after Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Greece at the age of 31.
Before the game, a minute's applause was held and former teammates of Baldock from both clubs laid flowers in his memory.
Many fans also held banners picturing the defender and shirts bearing his name.
Leeds won the game 2-0.
Baldock played more than 200 games for the Blades during his seven years at Bramall Lane, winning two promotions to the Premier League.
He was with Greek side Panathinaikos when he died.
Blades' manager Chris Wilder said before the match: "It's been really difficult.
"There's something else miles bigger than this football game. It puts everything into perspective.
"But we have to get on with life. We have to do what's right and what George would've wanted us to do."
Buckinghamshire-born Baldock began his career with MK Dons and had loan spells at Northampton and Oxford.
He spent the majority of his time at Sheffield United under the leadership of Wilder, who rejoined the club last December.
Wilder added: "He was a player who meant so much to everybody at Sheffield United.
"People don't realise how close these boys are. Their connection is huge and I think that goes under the radar.
"You might see an auntie or uncle once every few weeks, but these boys are in each others pockets 24/7 for 10 or 11 months of the season.
"That's not even touching on the loss his family are having to cope with."
Baldock left the Blades in the summer to join Panathinaikos.
A post-mortem examination in Greece confirmed he drowned.
Tributes have mounted at Bramall Lane in the days since his death.
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