Chris Wilder and Patrick Bamford have emerged as an odd pair in the Championship this season after the former Leeds United forward joined Sheffield United on a short-term deal this month.
Bamford and Wilder had some unsavoury words for each other previously. However, they have worked well at Sheffield United since the ex-Leeds star arrived at Bramall Lane.
The Sheffield United boss is appearing to get the best out of the striker after a couple of injury-riddled seasons at Leeds, and Bamford is enjoying playing regularly again.
Wilder, who has told the board to sign Bamford on a longer deal in January, is now looking to revive the career of another injury-riddled former Leeds star at Bramall Lane this season after enjoying success with the 32-year-old striker.
Chris Wilder wants Jamie Shackleton back after reviving Patrick Bamford at Sheffield United
A product of the Leeds academy, Shackleton made 94 senior appearances for the club before joining Sheffield United on a free transfer last year.
He made just 12 Championship appearances in his first year at Bramall Lane and struggled with a foot injury for almost the entirety of the last season.
His struggles with the foot injury have not gone away this season, where he has made just three substitute appearances in the league.
Wilder conceded that the right-back has suffered a small setback during his recovery, but is expected to return to training with the squad next week.
The Sheffield United boss stressed that Shackleton now deserves to enjoy a bit of luck as he has been struggling with injuries since he arrived at Bramall Lane.
“He’s just suffered a little bit of a setback as well”, Wilder was quoted as saying by the Sheffield Star.
“I think his return to training is next week. He’s just been out, but getting Shacks back will be good. He’s not had the luckiest period of his career so far here, so he deserves a little bit of luck and a little bit of fortune.
“Getting him back will be positive news for us all.”
Shackleton is a good Championship player
He made close to 100 appearances for Leeds, so Shackleton was definitely a very good talent to come out of the Leeds academy in the last few years.
The 26-year-old also has versatility to his game, and featured both at right-back and in midfield during his time at Leeds.
Shackleton played 27 times in the Premier League. However, it was clear that he was not ready to play at the top level, and the club were happy to let him go last year.
| Competition | Championship |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 103 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
However, he is an experienced Championship player, and Sheffield United signed him on a free transfer because of his proven quality in the second tier.
Injuries have been a problem for him since last year, and once he is fit, Shackleton is expected to show that he is good enough to play for a top Championship side.
