"Perfect scenario" - Patrick Bamford addresses Sheffield United transfer future after learning key Leeds United lesson
"Perfect scenario" - Patrick Bamford addresses Sheffield United transfer future after learning key Leeds United lesson
Patrick Bamford has admitted he is open to the possibility of a longer-term deal at Sheffield United beyond January, describing the agreement of a short-term arrangement as a “perfect scenario” for all parties. Bamford put pen to paper earlier this month on a contract until January.
The 32-year-old went on to make his debut in Sunday’s Sheffield derby win over Wednesday at Hillsborough, almost registering a goal and an assist after coming off the bench. The former Leeds United man showed why boss Chris Wilder was so keen to sign a physical striker to give him different options going forward.
Bamford is in line to make his Bramall Lane bow in tomorrow’s home clash with Portsmouth, as he looks to adjust to Championship football again after a summer without a club. His base fitness is good, owing to a spell training with Coventry City, and the arrangement is expected to be reassessed as its end draws closer.
“I just think that it was a perfect scenario for both Sheffield United and me,” the former England international said when asked about the short-term nature of his deal. “It's not like they're having to put out for a long-term contract.
"Perfect scenario" - Patrick Bamford addresses Sheffield United transfer future after learning key Leeds United lesson
“So there's no risk on either party, really. It gets me back playing, enjoying football, and then we'll just look at the situation again in January. It was literally so that the door was open for both parties in January, and it was a move that suited both.”
Asked if he could see himself extending his stay in South Yorkshire, should things go well between now and January, Bamford admitted: “Yeah, I can't see why not. As I said, it's been a really easy transition. And it's like home from home almost, because the travel and the distance is not that far. So it's been easy.”
Born in the Lincolnshire market town of Grantham, Bamford has spent a lot of time in and around Yorkshire owing to his previous associations with Middlesbrough and Leeds and agrees that his personal morals and values reflect the hard-working nature of the county.
“I think that that was one of the things that I learned when I first moved to Leeds, especially having Marcelo [Bielsa] as a manager,” Bamford added. “The work ethic, and the way you had to apply yourself. I think that the least that any crop of fans look for is every player to give 100 per cent and really fight for everything.
“And so I think that's the least that we can do as players, something that I try and pride myself on. When I was younger, my work ethic probably wasn't quite as good. I was a bit more laid back, younger. But now I know that there are different ways that you can affect things, and help the team.”