What Chris Wilder has said about Patrick Bamford after Sheffield United ‘talks’ open
Chris Wilder could soon be managing Patrick Bamford despite the pair’s controversial recent history together.
Sheffield United appointed Chris Wilder as their manager for a third time in September after a dismal start to the new season under Ruben Selles.
The Blades legend had only been relieved of his duties at Bramall Lane three months prior after they lost the Championship play-off final to Sunderland, but few improvements have been made so far.
They are still in the relegation zone with just 10 points from their first 15 games of the season, with their strikers in particular failing to impress in front of goal.
Wilder is clearly set to be after some added firepower, and he could be set to turn to the free agent market and bring in a familar former foe.
Patrick Bamford is in talks with Sheffield United
Leeds confirmed Patrick Bamford’s departure from the club in late August with the two parties choosing to mutually cancel his contract after an injury-hit couple of seasons.
Numerous Championship sides including Wrexham were interested in Bamford‘s services earlier on in the summer before a decision had been made on his future, and Bamford trained with Coventry last month as he continued to search for a new club.
The free agent could now be on his way to the Steel City, with the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath revealing via X that sources at the club have told him that Bamford is in talks with Sheffield United over a move.
Bamford would add some much-needed goal threat to their forward line, but reports of a move do come as a surprise considering his and Wilder’s recent history together.
What Wilder said about Bamford after Leeds promotion chants
Leeds were in competition with Yorkshire rivals United to gain automatic promotion last season, and Daniel Farke‘s side eventually prevailed as they finished top of the league and Wilder’s men came third.
Following confirmation of their promotion, videos were posted on social media of Bamford leading some rather crude chants about the United boss with Whites fans outside Elland Road.
Wilder was asked about a few days later and revealed that the pair had cleared the air, saying: “I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I’ve no issue at all with it.
“I’m not sure about the words used from a fellow pro! But I appreciated and respected him giving me a call. We had 20 minutes and the same again I spoke to Daniel [Farke] as well yesterday and had a half-hour chat with him and he is a super guy, a top guy.
“They are a top team and a top football club and like I said I’m a big boy. When I was playing we used to give it and take it and that’s part and parcel of the game at every level, even on a Sunday morning.
“I have absolutely no issue. I am cool with it and I said that to Pat.”
The two clearly have a strong relationship following the controversy, and could be about to work together on a professional level for the first time in their respective careers.