Could empty stadiums see Patrick Bamford thrive for Leeds United?

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Leeds United will soon resume their pursuit of Championship promotion but will do so without the support of their vociferous and formidable home crowd at Elland Road. 

Due to restrictions, the upcoming Championship fixtures will be played behind-closed-doors which may be seen as a massive disadvantage for Leeds, considering the great support from the Elland Road faithful.

However, there is a growing theory that it might in fact help some players, with Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford standing out as a particular beneficiary. 

Bamford does everything right for a Leeds United forward. He is tireless, strong, a pest. The only issue has been his record in front of goal. The Leeds striker has missed several chances this season and it has seen some Leeds fans get on his back. 

Indeed, speaking to the i newspaper in April, Bamford admitted criticism from Leeds fans has sometimes left him down. 

“Earlier this season, some of the fans wanted me out of the team and it probably would have been easier for Marcelo to do that. But while I wasn’t scoring goals, I was bringing other things to the side and the fact he has stuck with me means a lot…

“…Earlier this season, I would be lying in bed after a game and scrolling through Twitter, not even looking for myself, and would see some abuse. My missus would say ‘just ignore it’, so I’ve got better at doing that. I’m quite laid-back so it doesn’t affect me too much and I know in my own head whether I’ve played well and should have scored or not.”

But with no fans in attendance, the pressure might be somewhat lifted from Bamford’s shoulders. That sudden surge of nervous energy strikers pick up from the crowd before they shoot for goal will not exist. Essentially, it will be like putting the ball away in a Leeds United training session, which, from all evidence seen on social media in the past, Bamford has no problem with. 

With Jean-Kevin Augustin looking set to have another injury problem Bamford is the man who will need to score the goals if Leeds are to get promoted.

Without the burden of fans in attendance, it will be no surprise if the 26-year-old bags 10 from his final nine games of the season.