‘Perfect scenario’: Patrick Bamford’s Sheffield United stance amid Portsmouth and Wrexham transfer ‘links’
Pompey were one of a host of sides linked with Patrick Bamford earlier in the season, although the reports proved wide of the mark.
Patrick Bamford believes his move to Sheffield United was the ‘perfect’ way to reignite his career.
The 32-year-old spent four months out of work following his Leeds United exit at the end of last season, a state of limbo which saw him linked with a number of different Championship clubs, including Pompey, Middlesbrough and Wrexham.
Although a switch to Fratton Park was quickly downplayed, the striker spent time training with league-leaders Coventry City before sealing a move to Bramall Lane earlier this month.
Bamford, who has penned a short-term deal at Bramall Lane, was thrown straight into Chris Wilder’s squad for Sunday’s Steel City derby triumph over Sheffield Wednesday and is expected to be in contention for Wednesday’s visit of the Blues.
Why Sheffield United was ‘perfect scenario’ for Pompey-linked man
Ahead of Pompey’s trip to South Yorkshire, the one-cap England international believes his link-up with the Blades was the ideal opportunity to continue his career amid reported links to Fratton Park and Wrexham. Meanwhile, the ex-Middlesbrough forward has already hinted at the possibility of extending his deal beyond January.
Speaking to our sister paper, The Star, Bamford said: ‘I just think that it was a perfect scenario for both Sheffield United and me. It's not like they're having to put out for a long-term contract.
‘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.
‘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.’
Patrick Bamford’s Leeds United lessons
Bamford departed Leeds in August following the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League, which brought to an end a seven-year stint at Elland Road.
And the experienced frontman has opened up on the vital lessons he learned during his stay in West Yorkshire as he takes his career to the next step.
‘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.
‘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.’
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