Patrick Bamford Signs With Sheffield United After Leading Derogatory Chants Targeting Coach Chris Wilder

The striker is now a member of the Championship side just half a year after instigating derogatory songs aimed at the team's coach, Chris Wilder.

This experienced forward, a free agent since leaving Leeds, has signed a contract joining the Championship strugglers through the winter. Bamford's lengthy career at Elland Road finished through agreement this past summer.

One of the player's final notable acts while at Leeds was to lead abusive chants regarding Wilder amid Leeds' promotion party in April. Now, the one-cap England player will feature for Wilder as the Blades’ manager aims to lift his beloved club out of the drop zone.

Past History Between the Striker and the Manager

Both men had previous conflict prior to Leeds won promotion back to the top flight last season and United were defeated in the promotion decider by Sunderland. The manager called Bamford as “a muppet” back when the roles were reversed during the 2018-19 season and Sheffield United secured automatic promotion whereas Leeds United missed out in the playoffs.

Reconciliation & Moving Forward

Everything appears has been put behind them with Sheffield United, the league's lowest scorers, in desperate need of a boost up front and Bamford hoping to rejuvenate his playing days.

The song about Wilder spread widely in April. A repentant Bamford and the Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, called Wilder the next day.

Wilder said back then: “Spoke with Pat recently and I’ve no problem at all with that. I’m not sure regarding the words used from a fellow pro! But I valued and respected him giving me a call.

“We spent 20 minutes and the same again I spoke to Daniel too and we had a half-hour chat with him and he is a super guy, a class act. When I was playing we would give it and take it and that’s part and parcel of the game across all levels, even on a Sunday morning. I've got absolutely no issue. I am cool with it and I told him that to Patrick.”

Recent Playing Challenges

Bamford featured in 18 games for Leeds last season but the former Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Boro striker has struggled with fitness issues in recent years.