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'Not sure about the words' What Chris Wilder thinks of viral Leeds chant as Patrick Bamford nears Sheffield United move

OXFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United and Sheffield United at Kassam Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says he's a 'big boy' when it comes to dealing with criticism and local rivalries (Image credit: Getty Images)

Bamford, 32, is without a club after leaving Leeds by mutual consent over the summer.

The experienced forward was in talks with Spanish club Getafe but a move did not materialise and has been training with Championship leaders Coventry City in a bid to maintain fitness.

Chris Wilder wants to sign striker who started viral 'w***er' chant

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Patrick Bamford of Leeds celebrates after scoring the only goal of the match during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Leeds United at Bramall Lane on September 27, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Patrick Bamford scoring at Bramall Lane during the 2020/21 season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Blades boss Wilder has bemoaned his lack of a 'number nine' with the club languishing in the Championship's relegation zone.

Wilder left Bramall Lane over the summer following the club's defeat in the play-off final by Sunderland.

Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles delivers a teamtalk on the pitch

Sheffield United lost all six of their league games under Ruben Selles before reappointing Chris Wilder (Image credit: Getty Images)

However, the veteran coach was back in the dugout after replacement Ruben Selles' lost all six of his games in charge.

Leeds and Sheffield United have shared a local rivalry over the years, which in recent times has intensified due to the two clubs' proximity in a competitive sense.

During the former's promotion celebrations at the end of last season, a video of Bamford went viral appearing to show the striker starting a popular Elland Road terrace chant.

The song in question includes the lyric, 'Wilder is a w***er', which the Sheffield United boss later addressed publicly.

"I'm a big boy, you give it, you take it. You give it out locally, you take it locally as I have always done. We have our moments, other teams have their moments."

Wilder also revealed Bamford had been in touch, explaining his actions: "I'm not sure about the words used from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call."

Now, it appears Wilder would like to add Bamford to his Blades squad, which suggests there is no ill feeling between the two.

Sheffield United are 22nd in the Championship after 15 games this season and face fierce, city rivals Sheffield Wednesday following the November international break.

Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted in the 3-1 win at Wolves

Leeds have replaced Bamford with Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

"I would have always been looking for a number nine [this summer]," Wilder said recently. "[We need] a number nine in the building [that] will give us the different options."

"Would I like a No. 9? Yes, to have that on the table to go to. We're chasing games tactically as well, because of the situation that we're in. We're just trying to do something different to try and get back into the games."

Sheffield United's current striking options include Tom Cannon, Danny Ings, Chiedozie Ogbene and Tyrese Campbell.

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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