Patrick Bamford made the switch from Middlesbrough to Leeds United today, and has taken to Twitter to say his thanks to his former club.
Bamford spent a year-and-a-half at Middlesbrough before making the move to Elland Road, and in that time scored his first ever Premier League goal and made it to the Championship Play Offs.
He was a fan favourite at the club, and his form in the latter half of the season last year meant his move away was questioned by a lot of Boro fans.
He has taken to Twitter to thank the Middlesbrough faithful, as well as everyone at the club now that the deal has gone through.
Now that everything is finalised I’d just like to thank @Boro and everyone associated with the club for this past year and a half. Naturally There were ups and downs but I enjoyed every minute of it. A special mention to the fans who always gave me their full support. 1/2
— Patrick Bamford (@Patrick_Bamford) July 31, 2018
Bamford pointed out the ‘ups and downs’ at his time at Boro, which could be in reference to his lack of playing time under a couple of Middlesbrough managers. He was also often deployed out of position, as a wide man or as a number ten, but eventually thrived in his natural number nine role under current-boss Tony Pulis.
You guys were amazing and I honestly can’t thank you enough. The time has come for a new chapter but as a club you’ll always remain in my heart. Thankyou x #boro
— Patrick Bamford (@Patrick_Bamford) July 31, 2018
The forward went on to say that Middlesbrough will always remain in his heart, and gave him the opportunity to play in the Premier League. Crystal Palace and Norwich City both signed Bamford on loan off the back of Bamford’s Championship Player of the Season award-winning campaign in 2014/15.
Bamford left the club after the return of Ashley Fletcher and Martin Braithwaite from loan spells meant the new Leeds forward would have faced serious competition for a starting berth. Tony Pulis may have not been able to promise him first team football, and Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds might have promised him just that.