Patrick Bamford set for awkward Chris Wilder reunion after leading X-rated chant

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Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has finally found a new club after a months-long search. The 32-year-old has joined Championship strugglers Sheffield United on a free transfer, despite leading a chant aimed at Blades boss Chris Wilder during his time at Elland Road.

Footage from back in April shows Bamford joined by fans in a chant of "Wilder is a w***er". It was filmed after Leeds clinched promotion back to the Premier League with a 6-0 win over Stoke, and team-mate Harry Gray - who made his debut in the match - is also visible in the clip.

Bamford joined Gray in coming off the bench in that win and also appeared as a substitute in the final two games of the season. His contract expired in the summer, though, and Daniel Farke's team opted against handing him an extension.

The striker, who has one cap for England, has joined on an initial short-term deal which runs until January. During the period, he will have an opportunity to show his new boss he can still deliver at Championship level.

Wilder himself returned to Bramall Lane for a third spell as manager in September. He was dismissed by the Blades after they were beaten to automatic promotion by Leeds and Burnley and lost to Sunderland in the play-off final, but returned after Ruben Selles' brief spell in charge.

Bamford's latest move comes after an injury-hit few seasons since a 17-goal campaign with Leeds in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020/21. He has made just 87 appearances across the last four seasons, and failed to score a single goal across 17 substitute outings last term.

He joins a Sheffield United side still in relegation danger after a slow start under the now-departed Selles. They are still three points from safety, having won just three of their 15 league matches so far.

Sheffield United already had one England international striker among their ranks. Danny Ings joined on a free transfer after leaving West Ham in June, but has yet to open his account for his new club.

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Wilder's team drew 0-0 with QPR in their final game before the international break, to the frustration of the boss. "There is always going to be a bit of moaning and groaning, but the majority of the fans have seen us have a right go, we are lacking a bit of belief and confidence and that is what our position in the table equates too, it isn't free flowing or smooth in the final third," he said after things ended all-square.

"They are a dangerous team with the pace at the top of the pitch, especially if you over commit, so we had to get the balance right and we went for the win, the stats back that up and if we don't win, we can't get beat."

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