Don Hutchison hails ‘bonkers’ yet ‘brave’ Chris Wilder call to bring Patrick Bamford to Sheffield United

Former Sheffield United midfielder Don Hutchison has praised Chris Wilder for his decision to bring Patrick Bamford to Bramall Lane, despite the pair’s well-documented past differences.

Bamford joined the Blades earlier this season on a short-term deal, just months after being filmed leading Leeds United supporters in a foul-mouthed chant aimed at Wilder during promotion celebrations at Elland Road.

The 32-year-old spent seven years with the Whites, scoring 56 goals in 192 league appearances.

However, after a second promotion to the Premier League, he was not afforded another opportunity to prove himself at top-flight level under Daniel Farke.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAPER PODCAST HERE

Brave call

Released as a free agent in August, Bamford linked up with Sheff Utd in a move that raised eyebrows, given the recent history between player and manager.

Yet two goals in six appearances have offered early encouragement, helping the Blades climb away from the relegation zone following a difficult start to the campaign.

In an exclusive interview with oddsboom.co.uk, Hutchison admits he was surprised by Wilder’s decision to bring Bamford in, but believes it offered an insight into the manager’s thinking.

“It’s quite interesting how there was a bit of heat between the two of them and they hated each other, and then he went and signed him,” he said.

“I thought it was a bonkers move from Chris Wilder, but at the same time, brave. It just shows the man that he is.

“He could quite easily have said, no chance, no way am I signing him. But he’s thought, right, is he a little bit better than what we’ve got?

“If I sign Patrick Bamford in the short-term, I’m gonna get a bit of stick, but in the medium, long-term, he’s going to get us away from the bottom three and he’s going to keep the club, which is the most important thing, away from relegation. So I quite like it.”

No chance

Hutchison went on to dismiss suggestions of a potential merger between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, insisting supporters of both clubs would never accept such a move.

“It’s bonkers, he added. “I mean, I could see a stadium share – I could see that – I love Italian football, and when you watch Inter and AC Milan share the San Siro, I think it’s a pretty cool thing that they do that.

“I think it’s part of the history and the heritage and it’s pretty cool. Of course, the hardcore fans and ultras want their own stadium. I get it.

“I could see the two Sheffield sides ground-sharing if the city of Sheffield built them the most amazing stadium – I think that would be good.

“But a merger would never ever happen. Never in a million years would the Wednesday and United fans ever allow the two teams to merge. No chance.”

Stretch

Turning to Wilder’s impact since returning to Bramall Lane, Hutchison believes talk of a late play-off push is unrealistic, despite clear signs of improvement.

“That would be a bit of a stretch,” Hutchison expressed. “It’s crazy that the hierarchy at Sheffield United decided [after] they finished on 90 points and only just fell short, that they should sack him. What a terrible move that was.

“I mean, how can a Championship manager get 1000 points and get sacked? That is very short-term thinking, right?

“You didn’t take us up, you got sacked. I mean, it’s bonkers. So it was the right move to bring him back.

“He should never have gotten sacked in the first place. He knows Sheffield United better than anyone. I think he’s perfect for that football club.

“He gets his players playing; he demands hard work. I would just be happy that Sheffield United, being an ex-Blade myself, have steered well away from any sort of drama.

“If they finished top half, I would take it. I think it’s too much of a stretch to get into the play-off positions.

“It’s too many points in between where they are and the top six.”

Full comments from Don Hutchison‘s interview are available at oddsboom.co.uk

READ MORE: Patrick Bamford links up with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder