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      George Baldock’s old club hold emotional minute’s applause for tragic star before FA Cup clash vs Wayne Rooney’s brother

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      GEORGE BALDOCK’S former club Tamworth paid a touching tribute to the late Greece, Premier League and EFL hero after his tragic death.Baldock was found dead on Wednesday night at his home in Athens after drowning in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Tamworth held a minute’s applause for ex-player George Baldock before their FA Cup matchBaldock was found dead at his home on Wednesday at the age of 31Credit: APThis tragic loss has seen the British and Greek football community come together in mourning with tributes pouring in for the popular full-back, who moved from Sheffield United to Panathinaikos last summer.National League side Tamworth also paid their respects to the Greece international and his family ahead of Saturday’s fourth qualifying round match in the FA Cup at The Lamb Ground.The Lambs lined up in the centre of the pitch along with opponents Macclesfield, where Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, 33, plays.The two teams and the crowd then held an emotional minute’s applause for Baldock, who played for Tamworth on loan from MK Dons in 2012.Read More on FootballThat moment of solidarity moved the fans, who took to social media to also pay tribute to the defender.One fan tweeted: “For you, George Baldock.”Another commented: “Once a Lamb, always a Lamb.”A third wrote: “That’s for George.”Most read in FA CupThis fan said: “Dedicating it to George.”And that one stated: “That’s for you George.”Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England Baldock made 18 appearances during his brief stint with Tamworth, where he also scored a goal.The Sheffield United legend then moved to Bramall Lane in 2017 and enjoyed tremendous success as he amassed 219 appearances and helped the team reach two Premier League promotions.The Buckingham-born ace also played a big part in the Blades’ stunning 2019-20 campaign that saw them finishing in the top half of the Prem table in their return to the top flight after 12 years.Ex-Sheffield United team-mate David McGoldrick didn’t forget that as he pointed to the heavens to dedicate his dramatic late equaliser for Notts County during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.Baldock died the day before Greece, which is the homeland of his late grandmother, faced England, the country of his birth, at Wembley in the Nations League.The Greek national team went on to pick up an upset 2-1 win over the Three Lions and his team-mates dedicated the victory to their fallen brother in arms and his family.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Inside EFL giants’ abandoned stadium plan to build 40,000-seater new home next to infamous PRISON

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS were once close to leaving their iconic ground and moving to a stunning new home next door to a prison.Loftus Road has been the Championship club’s home since 1917 and they remain there today.Stunning images show what the ground would have looked likeCredit: QPRThe new home was going to be up the road from an infamous prisonCredit: QPRQPR remain at their iconic Loftus Road homeCredit: PABut back in 2013, QPR chiefs had plans drawn up to ditch the 18,439 capacity stadium for a new 40,000-seater.At the time, the Hoops were in the Premier League and managed by legend Harry Redknapp.QPR wanted to increase their revenue and then-chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build a new stadium.The local council were eyeing a major regeneration project in the Old Oak area – just two-and-a-half miles from Loftus Road.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes was keen to seize the opportunity to move across West London, unveiling plans for a stadium dubbed New Queens Park.Incredible computer-generated photos were released to show fans what the ground would look like.One stand has three tiers and there are several new-build apartments overlooking the stadium.The plot of land used would have seen QPR move just up the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes said at the time: “Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.”Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepair”This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area.”However, the plans never made it any further after the club were relegated to the Championship in 2015.Yet they did look at moving grounds again in 2018, when they looked at redeveloping the Linford Christie Stadium.The local running track and football pitch is a mile away from Loftus Road and is also next door to Wormwood Scrubs, as well as Hammersmith Hospital.But a year later, QPR announced they were abandoning plans to modernise the Linford Christie Stadium.The club remain keen on replacing Loftus Road and are reportedly looking for investors to pump cash into “Project Big Ben”.They want to “produce a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, as part of a major regeneration in West London.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

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      EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele ‘in advanced talks’ over shock manager job in Championship

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      CLAUDE Makelele has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Cardiff City.The Chelsea and Real Madrid legend is out of work after leaving Greek team Asteras Tripolis. Claude Makelele has been linked with the managerial post at CardiffCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Chelsea star is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generationCredit: AFP – GettyMakelele, a World Cup runner-up with France, left Tripolis last week after barely a month in charge.The 51-year-old fell out with the club’s owners and is now back on the market. Cardiff have been without a manager since sacking Erol Bulut three weeks ago. The Welsh club are currently bottom of the Championship after mustering just five points from 9 games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet Foot Mercato, Makele is in “advanced talks” with the Bluebirds.Makelele retired in 2011 after a stellar two-decade career. He won the Champions League with Madrid and lifted two Premier League titles during five seasons with Chelsea. After hanging up his boots, the Frenchman was an assistant at PSG before taking up his first managerial role with Bastia. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has also enjoyed an assistant role at Cardiff’s rivals Swansea and managed Belgian side Eupen between 2017 and 2019. Makelele returned to Chelsea in 2020 to become a youth coach and technical mentor.Shocking moment Cardiff star left with gash on leg after advertising boards collapse on him as fans celebrate goalJoining up with Asteras Tripolis last month had signalled he was ready for another crack at management.But his fall-out with the board resulted in him leaving the club just weeks after arriving. Makelele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team.”It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. “This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”However, according to WalesOnline’s Glen Williams, Makelele is “not under consideration” for the vacant role with the Bluebirds.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlaven Bilic is currently favourite with the bookies to take on the role in South Wales.Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher, and Ruben Selles have also been linked with the job. More

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      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      George Baldock: Greek PFA slam Uefa in damning statement for refusing to postpone England game after star’s tragic death

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      ENGLAND’S match against Greece will go ahead despite Premier League and EFL hero George Baldock’s tragic death.Baldock was found dead at the age of 31 in his home in Athens on Wednesday night, plunging the entire Greek football community into mourning.Greece’s PFA lambasted Uefa’s decision not to postpone the match with England after George Baldock’s deathCredit: APSheffield United legend Baldock was found dead in his home at the age of 31Credit: GettyThe Greek football association [EPO] held talks with Uefa in their bid to reschedule the fixture after their beloved player’s shock passing.However, the football governing body refused to postpone tonight’s Nations League clash due to scheduling conflicts.That led to a furious reaction from Greece’s professional footballers’ association, the Panhellenic Association of Paid [Male] Footballers [and Female] Footballers [PSAPP], who lambasted Uefa.The association didn’t hold back on their criticism with a damning post on social media berating football bosses for disregarding the game’s “human” aspect.Read More on FootballThey even described Uefa’s reasoning behind their decision as a “pretext”.The union also took aim at the “inhumane” schedule, which bloated after the introduction of the controversially repackaged Club World Cup.The 32-team tournament takes place this summer in the US and sparked global outrage, especially from players who even hinted at a strike.PSAPP posted on Facebook: “The game of our National team against England will take place as scheduled despite the Greek federation’s attempt to postpone it, with the pretext of not being able to find an alternative date in an already inhumane – in terms of work – calendar. Most read in Football”Once again those who make the decisions did not have time to think about our internationals. “The need to finally understand that the person should always be placed above all else.”Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeGeorge Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Uefa confirmed that both sets of players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence at Wembley.The same is set to take place at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday when Greece host the Republic of Ireland.Buckingham-born Baldock switched to Greece in 2022 following a series of stunning performances with Sheffield United, whom he helped achieve two Premier League promotions.The ex-MK Dons star, who qualified through his Greek grandmother, quickly became Ethniki’s starting right-back and earned immense praise after picking up his first caps.The full-back amassed a staggering 125 appearances during an eight-year stint with MK Dons and a whopping 219 with Sheffield United.After seven years with the Blades, the Greece international moved to Panathinaikos last summer, where he played four times.The defender’s last ever game saw him competing against eternal rivals Olympiacos on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium where he helped his team pick up a brave goalless draw.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      George Baldock’s life-saving gesture for young fan with heart condition revealed by mum who salutes ‘our Starman’

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      A HEARTBROKEN mum has revealed George Baldock’s incredible impact on her young son. The former Sheffield United star was found dead at his Athens home on Wednesday.Former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock was found dead on WednesdayCredit: RexThe 31-year-old had bought Harvey, a young Blades fan, a defibrillator after learning of his heart conditionCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeHarvey’s mum Marie paid tribute to the ex-Utd star following his tragic passingCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeBaldock was discovered in his communal swimming pool after his concerned wife had struggled to get in touch with him from England.The 31-year-old spent the majority of his career playing with United in the Championship and Premier League. One Blades fan took to social media to highlight Baldock’s remarkable efforts in helping her young son, Harvey.X user Marie revealed Harvey was diagnosed with a faulty heart valve, resulting in his Sunday league team being forced to fundraise for a new defibrillator.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMarie added that Baldock ‘stepped in” and “bought Harvey a defibrillator outright.”Following news of Baldock’s passing, Marie took to social media to pay tribute to the Greek international. She wrote: “[We] thanked him every time we saw him, but feel we haven’t thanked him enough. “George bought Harvey a defib, which helped him continue to play football and the things he enjoys. Most read in Football”He gave us peace of mind as parents on the sideline!”She added with a heartbroken emoji: “Our Starman.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31Marie accompanied the message with snaps of Baldock alongside Harvey, including at last year’s Player of the Year awards. She continued: “Thank you George. I’m saying it again! You always replied, ‘No problem’ and always asked how Harvey was getting on. “Last time I saw you at (this years POTYA’s) Harvey’s team had just got promoted and Harvey had taken the winning penalty x.”You couldn’t believe how tall he was x”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock played over 200 times for Sheffield Utd between 2017 and 2024.He left the club over the summer to join Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League. The Blades put out a statement on Wednesday, writing: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland face Greece on Thursday night in a Nations League clash at Wembley. Baldock, who won 12 caps for Greece, is set to be honoured before the contest. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set-piece tactics as he exposes Arsenal scoring identical goal to Derby

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      WAYNE ROONEY revealed Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set pieces.Arsenal have been hailed for their potent approach to dead-ball situations. Wayne Rooney reckons Mikel Arteta could be nicking his set-piece tacticsCredit: YouTubeArsenal boss Arteta is reaping the rewards of Nicolas Jover’s inputCredit: GettyIn fact, no team can match the Gunners’ tally of 23 goals from set pieces and 16 from corners in the Premier League since the beginning of last season. But Rooney hinted Arteta could be nicking his tactics – after exposing Arsenal for scoring an identical goal to his Derby side nearly four years ago. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast about the importance of set pieces, Plymouth boss Rooney said: “Set pieces are so important, the amount of matches won or lost by them is huge. “One of the coaches does it then I come in with some weird ideas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Arsenal one they scored with, I did that four years ago against Middlesbrough and we scored from it.”Rooney was likely referencing Gabriel Magalhaes’ header against Manchester City.At the Etihad last month, a cluster of Arsenal players started beyond the back post and flooded the six-yard box, allowing the defender to storm in from the penalty spot and nod into the back of the net.But the positioning of the players struck a familiar chord for Rooney.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause when managing Derby, the Rams found the net in very similar fashion at home to Middlesbrough in a 2-1 win in February 2021. Again, at an inswinging corner from the right, the attacking side positioned a host of players way out at the back edge of the area.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops And as Martyn Waghorn gave the signal, the Derby men split and four of the five ran at different angles towards the goal, causing chaos for the Boro backline. Defender Lee Buchanan made the first contact at the back post.Although unlike Gabriel, he teed the ball up across the goal as team-mate Lee Gregory headed in. Arsenal have employed Nicolas Jover as their set-piece coach and are reaping the rewards of a dedicated member of staff for a crucial part of football – both offensively and defensively.It did not work out so well at Wolves, though, who sacked their first set-piece coach Jack Wilson this week following the 5-3 defeat at Brentford.Since his summer arrival from Manchester City, winless Wolves have conceded from dead-ball situations in five of their seven Premier League matches and scored from one as they sit rooted to the bottom of the table. Rooney also referenced another of his custom set pieces, where he got a player to stand on the four corners of the penalty area and three in the D and all charged towards the mixer. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he suggested it nearly paid off with a goal last weekend when Plymouth beat Blackburn in dramatic fashion. But then Morgan Whittacker grabbed a 97th-minute winner as the Pilgrims picked up their third victory of the season to sit 14th in the Championship table. Gabriel scored from a corner at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal set up for the dead-ball situation by overloading the back postCredit: YouTubeIt is virtually identical to the way Derby scored against Middlesbrough in February 2021Credit: dcfc.co.ukLee Gregory nodded in after the ball was headed back across the face of goalCredit: dcfc.co.uk More