MOT View: Recent Twitter activity from Bamford proves Leeds fans need to stop the abuse now
Patrick Bamford has been on a rollercoaster ride with the Leeds United fans this season.
He’s put in some immense performances, holding the ball up and proving why Marcelo Bielsa rates him so highly. The manager has stuck solidly behind him this season, to the extent that Eddie Nketiah was recalled through lack of game-time.
Bamford has scored 12 goals but he’s also missed a lot of chances. A lot.
In fact, the stats show that while Leeds have been creating, Bamford hasn’t been finishing. That won’t come as a surprise to Leeds fans.
However, his dips in form have led to a lot of abuse online from Leeds fans and this seemed to hit a peak after the defeat to Wigan on Saturday.
So much so, that former Leeds players such as Tony Dorigo and Brian Deane appealed on Twitter for it to stop.
Deane said, “Not sure all the stick Bamford is getting will help the whole team. Probably needs fans to stick with him more than ever now.”
Dorigo said fans should put their “dummies” back in their mouths and concentrate on getting behind the team at the City Ground on Saturday.
That tweet was liked by Leeds owner Andrea Randrizzani, which prompted yet more abuse, this time aimed at the owner.
However, if fans are under the impression that Bamford isn’t following what’s going on online, they should think again.
Bamford liked the tweet from Radrizzani/Dorigo and it highlights the need for fans to pull the plug on the abuse.
There’s a fine line between what’s acceptable from fans and what’s going to hurt the team.
Bamford’s confidence will be shot at the moment and he needs the fans to get behind him.
The next two games are absolutely critical and, with Jean-Kevin Augustin not looking particularly sharp in his outing with the Under-23s on Monday, the goals are likely going to have to come from Bamford.
One fan even uploaded a video of Bamford’s misses onto Twitter this week – how is that going to help anyone? And hasn’t he got anything more constructive to do?
In fairness to the Leeds fans, the ones who go to Elland Road and especially the ones that travel, have been brilliant all season.
They need to be even better and even louder on Saturday – if that’s possible – and the worst of the keyboard warriors on Twitter need to reign it in for the sake of the team.
ALAW.
In other Leeds United United news, Jean-Kevin Augustin makes exciting declaration ahead of Leeds weekend clash – MOT View