Sheffield United get timely Patrick Bamford boost ahead of Portsmouth trip as striker answers Chris Wilder challenge
Patrick Bamford rose to the challenge set by Chris Wilder over the international, with his form and experience set to be key during a demanding away double-header for Sheffield United
Patrick Bamford’s return to form is another timely boost for Sheffield United ahead of their trip to Portsmouth tonight, after the former England international answered Chris Wilder’s challenge in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Lincoln City. Bamford was on the scoresheet twice, taking his tally for the season to five.
That return, from 10 games so far, is a very respectable one but doesn’t tell the full story about the ex-Leeds United man’s recent performances, which fell below the standards he set last term after coming in on a free transfer.
Getting Bamford back up to full speed was one of Wilder’s priorities over the international break, with the experienced forward seen as the leader of an attack made up by Tom Cannon (23), Tyrese Campbell (26) and Ryan One (20).
“I demanded more over the international break that he needed to do more and he did,” Wilder said. “He’s an honest boy and he wants to do well. Sometimes the body language doesn't tell the story of the player, but I thought he was really good on Saturday.
“He linked the play, dropped into good positions, connected with the midfield players and got in the box, which is his job. Two great goals, two fabulous finishes off both feet. His link-up play was good and generally he allowed us to produce a pretty positive performance.”
United are now looking to capitalise on the mood boost that a welcome win offered at the weekend, in two long and tough away trips to Portsmouth and Bristol City in the space of a few days.
“I needed better performances off everybody and we demand that of ourselves,” Wilder added. “That includes me and the coaches. But the ones who can impact it the most are the players out there.
“Pat isn’t a chest-beater, he's not a shouter and baller, but I gave Pat the captaincy against Ipswich last year and there are different ways to lead. Different ways to influence your teammates. And I suppose the best way to influence your teammates is by being really good.”
United have had to manage Bamford through a recent knee issue while also getting new signing Jordan Ayew up to speed, which Wilder admits has been “a challenge.”
Wilder was left without a natural No.10 player after the deadline-day sale of Callum O’Hare to Wrexham, but Bamford naturally gravitates towards those sorts of areas on the pitch and Ayew is also an option off the main striker when he gets up to speed after his free-transfer arrival earlier this year.
“But we've got two really good experienced players there,” he added, “who can fit that bill in terms of that link between the top of the pitch and the midfield. Pat getting back to form with a couple of goals is great for him. He's a popular boy.”