Patrick Bamford – Respect

Today the Rams take on Middlesbrough in a cracking pre-Christmas top of the table clash at the Riverside.

Adding an extra twist on an already interesting fixture is the presence of Patrick Bamford  in the Boro forward line.

Bamford was a really interesting signing for Derby. Obviously everyone hooked into the Forest connection and his Dad’s friendship with Nigel Doughty. However in reality, as a player, nobody knew a lot about him.

With an awkward running style that made Ted McMinn look graceful, Bamford often gave the impression he wasn’t made for the Championship. However his one killer asset was ‘quality’. His various “goals out of nowhere” have been well documented but his first touch was flawless. When he ran with the ball it was almost stuck to his foot like he was on FIFA. I remember one astonishing moment at Birmingham away last season when he took down a punt from Granty and span 360 to run at his full back in one movement with the ball never touching the floor.

It was a shame he didn’t come back this year and it’s almost a given he will score today. However I think Bamford is a player who will always get a decent reception from Derby fans (unless of course he ever re-signs for Forest).

I’ve posted this video before but, I have to say, it never gets boring.