Who would have thought it? Patrick Bamford, in just under two months, has become Sheffield United's big success story of the season. Now the challenge is to keep the former Leeds striker who, as a free agent, opted to sign a short-term contract with the Blades. That deal is about to run out. Bamford has scored five goals since arriving in November and has established himself as the spearhead for United's continuing recovery from a car-crash start to the season.

SUMMARY:

1. Patrick Bamford transitioned from being underestimated to becoming a crucial player for Sheffield United.
2. In a short period of time he has showcased his superior abilities compared to other attacking options available.
3. Despite contractual uncertainties, Bamford exhibits remarkable self-belief and ambition in his career choices.
4. The future of Bamford remains uncertain as he contemplates offers from other clubs, reportedly including Ipswich.
5. Bamford's recent form has alleviated doubts regarding his capabilities as a proven goalscorer.
6. The financial stability and strategic direction of Sheffield United's American owners raise significant concerns for ambitious players.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. viewfromthejohnstreet.com

Patrick Bamford quickly went from zero to hero in the eyes of Blades fans after boss Chris Wilder's inspired move for the free agent and former Leeds United striker in November.

Introduced as a substitute during the three nil Derby Day romp at Hillsborough, it soon became clear that that Bamford is head and shoulders over anything else United have in the attacking locker.

Five goals later, he is the established spearhead of Sheffield United's continuing recovery from a car crash start to the championship campaign.

Losing him now would be devastating, but the striker who famously was involved in a tit for tat abusive spat with Wilder is a canny lady without a club.

After Leeds where he played for seven years, let his contract run down, you might have thought someone in limbo would jump at the chance of a longer term contract at Bramhall Lane, securing his future until the end of the season.

But no, Bamford knows he's better than that despite a disappointing end to his career at Elland Road, failing to score in 18 appearances and battling fitness issues.

Even so, it seems surprising that a player of his quality found himself at a loose end.

Reports suggested a move to Spain to keep fit.

He eventually trained with Frank Lampard's Coventry City before the Blades came calling.

At that point most in Bamford's position would have hunkered down for the remainder of the season.

But Bamford is not your average guy.

Instead he backed himself, opted for a short term deal to create a platform in the January window.

That's the mark of a winner who believes in himself, the attributes of a natural goalscorer and here we are.

Wilder and Blair's fans would dearly love him to extend his deal.

Bamford meanwhile is still considering newfound options.

His contract expires next week and he may well have already bid farewell if he doesn't play in the FA cup third round tie at home to Mansfield on Sunday.

Ipswich are reported to be interested and given the Tractor boys promising bid for an instant return to Premier League football, it's likely Bamford and his agent will be more than just interested in them.

Other top end championship clubs will no doubt have listed him as a person of interest.

Why wouldn't they?

Proven goal scorers are gold dust and Bamford has used his time well at the lane to put his career back on track.

Questions about whether he still got it have been answered.

Job done.

In the end it all comes down to ambition.

Bamford is clearly ambitious, as is Wilder, but there is no getting over the fact that United are only eight points above the relegation zone.

The likelihood of a mid table finish means another championship season beckons.

Although Wilder will have other ideas, keeping the man he once labelled a muppet from Leeds is a cornerstone to those Bamford, however, has unfinished business.

If given a fast track back to better things, gambling on the blades getting their act together might be a bridge too far.

Then there is the black mark of United's American owners, CoH Sports having clearly demonstrated they don't know what they're doing.

Where are they taking the club?

Do they even have a feasible plan?

How stable are they?

All valid questions to concern a player whom at 32 knows the clock is ticking.

And that is the rub.

Bamford, like most of his teammates and unlike Wilder or the fan base, is not invested in United States.

Football's a job opportunity and a better payday, just like for the rest of us, are key.

Is that on offer at the Lane?

In the short term, probably not, but we're about to find out.

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