Leeds United fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to striker Patrick Bamford after the club confirmed his departure.
Patrick Bamford joined Leeds from Middlesbrough, and was part of two title-winning Championship squads under Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke.
However, his most memorable season in a Leeds shirt came in the Premier League in 2020/21 as his 17 goals fired the Whites to a ninth-place finish and earned him an England call-up at the beginning of the subsequent season, peaking with a brilliant hat-trick against Aston Villa.
Although injuries limited Bamford’s time on the field in his later years at Leeds, he still made an important contribution from the bench in their promotion season, as he returned to full fitness for the run-in.
Now, Leeds fans have responded to the news that he will leave the club, sending messages of support to their departing former number nine.
Leeds United fans react to Patrick Bamford’s departure
It has been a busy day at Elland Road, with confirmation that Bamford will join Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt in leaving the club.
Bamford’s departure earned the biggest response from the Leeds fanbase, as they took to social media to praise his contribution to the club, summed up by one fan who wrote: “Bye Bamford. Will never forget that Villa game.”
Another fan hailed him as a modern Leeds great, adding: “Club legend, no matter how the last few years have gone.”
There is a tinge of regret among the responses that much of Bamford’s best football came behind closed doors, as one fan added: “Thank you Patrick, wish you could have heard the fans at home during the Covid period (especially the first season back up with Marcelo in charge), when you were on fire! Always be welcome back at the club!”
Another fan praised Bamford’s work ethic at Leeds in a post which stated: “Genuinely gutted it’s over! Always tried his best in the shirt, and that’s all that can be asked of any player! MOT.”
One fan criticised the way the club’s owners and a certain section of the fanbase handled his exit, arguing: “Good luck to Paddy, whatever his future holds, his exit has been badly handled by Farke and the club.
“Key part of the Bielsa team that won promotion and finished 9th in the PL, and too often made the scapegoat by a certain section of the fanbase.”
However, the majority of fans took the chance to praise Bamford, as another fan added: “Such a likeable guy, even if his first team spot split opinion. Always tried, eloquent & fair when interviewed, a great servant to the club on and off the pitch. Hope to see you doing punditry someday. All the best, patch.”
Departing Leeds hero pays tribute to Marcelo Bielsa in farewell message
Bamford leaves Leeds with an overall record of 60 goals in 205 appearances in all competitions and is one of a select group of players to win two promotions.
Speaking in a video on his Instagram page, Bamford took the opportunity to thank his Leeds teammates, the club’s fans and his former coaches, but took care to thank former head coach Marcelo Bielsa personally in his statement.
Bamford said: “I’d also like to thank the managers I’ve had the chance to work with whilst here, especially Marcelo.
“I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid. Under his guidance, I was able to achieve my dream I’ve had since a young boy, playing for England.”
Despite the frustrations of his final years at the club, Bamford will always be a firm favourite at Leeds for his glorious run of form in Bielsa’s team.
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