Rivals United in Jubilant Sheffield Derby Celebration
Sheffield United head coach Chris Wilder and striker Patrick Bamford put their past differences behind them in a moment of pure, unscripted joy following a dominant 3-0 victory over arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday. The hilarious scene unfolded at Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon as the pair celebrated wildly with travelling fans after a crucial win in the fiercely contested Steel City derby.
Commanding Performance Seals Derby Delight
The Blades took control of the match from the outset, with Tyrese Campbell breaking the deadlock after just over 10 minutes. Campbell wasn't finished there, securing his brace with a second strike after the half-time interval. The victory was sealed deep into injury time by a late goal from Tom Cannon, sending the away support into raptures.
After the final whistle, the United squad, known as the Owls, were in no hurry to leave the pitch, making a beeline for their ecstatic supporters. It was in this euphoric atmosphere that a remarkable reconciliation took centre stage.
Ironic Chants Cement Newfound Camaraderie
As they approached the away stand, Wilder threw a comradely arm around the shoulders of Bamford, who joined the club from Leeds United in the summer. In a striking display of unity, the duo then began dancing along to the ironic chants of 'Wilder is a w*****' from the crowd.
This was a chant Bamford himself had been filmed leading during Leeds United's promotion celebrations at the end of the previous season, a moment that could have created lasting animosity. Reflecting on that incident, the 32-year-old striker revealed his mother's panic and his own decision to clear the air.
"When the video came out of the chant it was one of those where I had had a few drinks and the next day my mum was panicking saying 'why have you started that?'" Bamford told BBC Radio Sheffield. "I thought I should ring Chris and try and clear the air a bit and I remember waiting for him to answer I was thinking he was going to have a right go at me."
To Bamford's surprise, the call was refreshingly positive. "He didn't pick up but he rang me back 10 or 15 minutes later and it was refreshing because he was so nice and completely understood," Bamford explained. He also praised Wilder's character, adding, "In football it's rare you come across a manager who is as you see them. He's straightforward and honest and for me that is super refreshing."
This weekend's celebratory dance proved that any lingering bad blood from a 2019 spat, where Wilder had labelled Bamford a 'muppet', is now firmly in the past. The victory and the public display of unity marked a perfect debut for Bamford, who recently signed a short-term deal with Sheffield United until January.
