The Rise of Privately Educated Patrick Bamford…
Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Patrick joined Nottingham Forest's academy as an eight-year-old after playing junior football for Muskham Cougars. He attended Nottingham High School, where he played rugby union as a full-back, until the end of Year 10. Patrick is clearly a talented student who ended up with five A*s, three As and two Bs in his GCSE exams. He studied A-Level French, History, Biology and General Studies and attained three grades at B and another at C. Patrick also plays the piano, violin, guitar and saxophone, and is conversational in French, Spanish and German.
He was offered a football scholarship to study Business at Harvard University, but he rejected the offer to continue his career in England.
Patrick had this to say about his private education experience…
“Having a more privileged upbringing has led me to be treated differently in a sport where most players are from the working class.”
Style of Play
Patrick is a versatile forward, who can play as a lone striker which is how he has been almost exclusively utilised by Bielsa since his arrival at the club, or in a pair. He can also play in an attacking midfield position or on either wing. Patrick is recognised for his technique and ability on the ball, as well as his aerial ability and finishing.
Football Career
Patrick has had many set backs in football before finally reaching what seems to be the right club and manager to bring out the best in him and his style of play.
Having started his career at an early age of 8 years old playing grassroots football for his local club Patrick joined the Nottingham Forest Academy. Patrick worked his way through the academy before making his professional debut in late 2011.
After an impressive start to his professional career Patrick was signed by Chelsea Early in 2012 however, he never ever featured in a game for Chelsea instead he was loaned out to various clubs including…
Milton Keynes Dons
Derby County
Middlesborough twice
Crystal Palace
Norwich
Burnley
It was in July 2018 that Patrick signed for his current club Leeds Utd and hasn’t looked back since helping them gain Premier League status again in the 2019-2020 season after a 16-year absence. His current form sees him on 17 appearances and 10 goals which is a very good ratio. Overall Patrick has made 248 appearances for various clubs scoring 84 goals.
International Career
Patrick has a difficult choice to make here as he qualifies for both England and Republic of Ireland having made 1 international appearance for both countries so far. Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy made it clear that he would want Patrick in the full national team but Patrick pondered over this decision opting to push for a place in the England squad for the now postponed Euro 2020 finals. When asked about his decision Patrick said…
“It would be a dream come true to represent England and I will push for a place in the squad.”
Playing Career Honours
Leeds United
Individual
- Football League One Player of the Month: October 2013
- Football League Young Player of the Month: December 2013
- Football League Championship Player of the Year: 2014–15
Boarding School Pathway
As mentioned above Patrick said he had a very different reception in the football world compared to most players that are statistically from working class backgrounds. Patrick joins many other players that have gone through the UK Private Boarding Schools system that have done well for themselves. These include club and country legend Frank Lampard, Tyrone Mings of current club Aston Villa and most recently Solly March of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Further Information
UK Football Schools have helped many families place players into UK Private Boarding Schools with excellent football academies. Many of which are ran by ex-professional managers and players from the English game. If this is the kind of football pathway that would best suit you then don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team who will be delighted to be in touch.
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