Reaction given to Patrick Bamford news at Sheffield United - "He is already dividing opinion" | OneFootball

The Blades have signed former Leeds United man Patrick Bamford on a short-term deal, but not everyone's pleased

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United have handed former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford a short-term contract.

The move was well trailed before the official announcement, with reports from the likes of BBC Radio Sheffield revealing the interest, which has now seen Bamford link up with the Blades on a short deal until January.

The 32-year-old had been on the hunt for a new club since he mutually agreed to end his contract with Leeds this summer, and was training with Coventry City to keep fit, in an arrangement done as a favour, rather than with a view to signing for the Sky Blues, with boss there, Frank Lampard, having spent time with the striker at Chelsea.

Ahead of the official announcement, we asked our Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble, for his initial thoughts on Bamford.

Sheffield United fan base divided on Patrick Bamford

Speaking to Football League World, Jimmy said: “Patrick Bamford, he is already dividing opinion in the Sheff United fan base.

“Look, the best Patrick Bamford you can get will certainly do a job for us. We're nowhere near guaranteed to get that player.

“He has not been able to maintain fitness for well over a year. We've had similar problems with players in the past. We still have a similar problem at the moment with Tom Davies, not being able to stay fit for any length of time, really.

“I appreciate the low risk, if it's a deal just until January, a six to eight week deal, probably benefits both parties, and if he comes in and does okay, then it's great, and if he doesn't, then no great loss.

“I understand all of that, but should we really be experimenting at this stage? Does he improve us that much better than what we've already got? You know, Tyrese Campbell, Danny Ings, Tom Cannon, Ryan One.

“Yes, the best Patrick Bamford probably jumps to the front of the queue. But what are the chances of us getting the best Patrick Bamford?

“I'm not convinced by this one, I have to say. Hope I'm wrong.”

It could prove a masterstroke if Sheffield United can keep Patrick Bamford fit

Jimmy’s reservations about Bamford are understandable, given they already have four strikers at the club, one being experienced Premier League forward Ings.

But the reality is that, as things stand, the Blades have little to lose, currently sitting in the relegation places, with just 11 goals scored 15 games into the season.

Clearly, Bamford is not a long-term answer for the Blades, but they could use the new injection of firepower to perk up their fortunes, much like the return of Wilder did for a couple of games.

The former Leeds man is entering the twilight of his career, and is unlikely to be the player he once was, but he has been a quality Premier League striker in the not-too-distant past.

If they can keep him fit, and use him to get the club returning to scoring ways, then this deal will look like a masterstroke; if not, it was at least worth trying.

But given Bamford had some controversy with Wilder earlier this year, engaging in unflattering chants about the highly-regarded manager as Leeds earned promotion back to the Premier League – following Wilder branding Bamford a "muppet" some years earlier – he may well have some work to do to get fans onside.

Should he hit the ground running at Bramall Lane and start netting goals, however, that will all soon be forgotten.

There is no doubt that this is not the sort of deal the Blades wanted to be considering when they started this season, but they must react to the situation they are in, rather than where they think they should be.

As a short-term option, on a trial basis, testing if Bamford still has it in him to contribute to a Championship attack makes plenty of sense.