Team-mates have paid tribute to Baldock on social media.

Former Sheffield United player Samir Carruthers wrote on Instagram:, external “Brother, I don’t know what to say, I love you man. I miss you.

“You was my best mate for years and years and I was so lucky to live my football career with you and live with you. The world has lost an amazing human but I know you’re in heaven my friend. I will cherish every memory I made with you, you’ll always be in my heart.”

Oli McBurnie, who played with Baldock for five years at Sheffield United, said he felt sick at the news.

“I genuinely can’t believe you have gone brother, I feel sick,” he wrote on Instagram., external

“One of the best people I’ve ever met, you were loved by everyone you came across. My heart is broken for your beautiful little family. Sleep well GB, I love you mate.”

Way before they became professional footballers, England and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell got to know George Baldock as they grew up in Buckinghamshire.

Chilwell wrote on Instagram: “From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate.”

And former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom, now boss of Preston, also paid tribute.

“Numbing to hear of George Baldock’s passing, a man with so much still ahead of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son,” he wrote on X.

“George was super person and fantastic professional who was admired and adored by all who worked with him.

“My prayers are with his loved ones right now. George, it was a privilege to have known you.”