Baldock to be remembered at MK Dons v Oxford tie

It will be a poignant occasion when MK Dons face Oxford United in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday as both clubs remember George Baldock.

The match is the first between the two clubs since the death of Baldock, who played for both during his career.

He drowned in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, Greece in October 2024 at the age of 31.

Both will be helping raising awareness of the George Baldock Foundation, which was set up to raise money for football community charities who provide help for disadvantaged children.

"He was the type of character who shouldn't be forgotten and we're going to make sure he's not. He was so positive and very charitable as well and he'd be proud we're doing something like this in his name," elder brother Sam Baldock told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"Both clubs are coming together and will wear warm-up t-shirts with the foundation's name on, and there'll be a QR code (displayed) for people at the game to donate if they so wish.

"It's fairly new and it's a lot of take on for all of us, emotionally as well. It's not been easy but we're pleased with where we're at and we're looking to continue to grow it."

Baldock played 125 games in eight years at MK Dons from 2009 and 2017, a period which also saw him spend two loan spells with Oxford.

He eventually moved on to Sheffield United and played for the Blades in the Premier League. He also won 12 caps for Greece, having been eligible for them through his grandmother.

Baldock joined Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024, but only played three league games for them before his death, which an inquest concluded was the result of an accident.

Sam Baldock, who also appeared for MK Dons and Oxford during his own playing career, said he did not think the family would ever "be the same again" following his brother's death, but trying to achieve something positive from it was a "good way of moving forward".

Funds raised by the Foundation will initially be used to pay for free places for children at football camps run by MK Dons Community Trust and Sheffield United during the Easter school holiday.

"We're looking at raising more money and helping as many people as we can," said Sam, who now works in the player pathway programme for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Members of the family will be guests in the directors' box at Stadium:MK, where the game kicks off at 19:30 GMT.

"MK Dons will always have a special place for me, it's where I started my career and the opportunities I got there. Oxford was at the back end and they helped me into life after football," Sam added.

"Both clubs were really good to me and the family and it's a great initiative that they suggested (for the match). It's all come from the two clubs and we're grateful and humbled for that."

Full radio commentary of MK Dons v Oxford United will be available from 19:00 GMT, and online, via BBC Sounds and smart speakers.