Chris Wilder outlines Patrick Bamford Sheffield United future wish as ex-Leeds United man impresses again v Portsmouth
Chris Wilder outlines Patrick Bamford Sheffield United future wish as ex-Leeds United man impresses again v Portsmouth
Chris Wilder is keen to continue Patrick Bamford’s association with Sheffield United after watching the former Leeds United man open his account for the Blades this evening. Bamford scored his first goal in United colours in a 3-0 win over Portsmouth.
It was Bamford’s full debut for the Blades after signing a short-term deal earlier this month, which is currently scheduled to run until January. But figures behind the scenes have been impressed by the former England international’s contribution since he arrived, both on and off the field.
Goals from Sydie Peck (penalty) and Gus Hamer bookended Bamford’s strike as United secured back-to-back wins for only the second time this season, and kept a third successive clean sheet for the first time since last December.
The turning point in the game came when Pompey defender Terry Devlin handled Japhet Tanganga’s goalbound header and was sent off, with Peck converting the resulting penalty to send the Blades on their way.
“He's been brilliant to work with,” said Wilder on Bamford, who admitted to The Star last week that he was open to extending his stay at Bramall Lane. “We’ve talked about the number nine situation at length and I'd obviously like to work with Pat a lot longer, so we’ll see where that goes.
Chris Wilder outlines Patrick Bamford Sheffield United future wish as ex-Leeds United man impresses again v Portsmouth
“I'm sure he's enjoying his time here and we're looking a threat at the top of the pitch. You can see what we've got as well with Gus coming on and finding that fabulous finish as well, so we've got real good options and combinations to play in.”
Bamford started alongside derby-day hero Tom Cannon, who scored in a 3-0 win over rivals Wednesday at the weekend, with Tyrese Campbell - who netted the other two - being rested on the bench for the second game of three in the space of six days.
“The easy thing would have been to go with Ty tonight and Danny Ings,” Wilder added. “But I didn't really want to risk Ty as well. He came off against Wednesday with a little bit of a tight calf. We have been working hard on it, so he was fit enough to be involved.
“But we felt that was the right combination and I'm delighted for Pat and for Tom as well. I said to him as he was coming off, to listen and look around the reaction of the supporters, which I thought was outstanding.
“He's been under pressure a bit and not delivered maybe what he should be delivering, but that's the type of performance that shows why we signed him. Front foot, running in behind, getting in the box. Physical. He’s coming into form, and they all are.
“The bit in the middle yet again was good. Yes, it was against 10 men, but there have been plenty enough games that I've been involved in as a player and manager and watched, where those games become really scruffy. And I didn't think it became really scruffy.”