Patrick Bamford so proud of way champions Leeds United finished their campaign

Patrick Bamford talked about how important managing the downs of Leeds United’s season was in winning this season’s Football League and how they have handled being champions was also a source of great pride after their final match of 2019-20.

The Whites won the Championship with two games to play but won both, 3-1 at Derby County and 4-0 versus Charlton Athletic.

Beating Charlton on the final evening allowed neighbours Barnsley to finish outside the relegation zone, as well as seeing Leeds reach 93 points, their highest tally in any division.

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“It’s been a long six days since we played against Barnsley (their last game before results elsewhere saw them crowned champions) but I think it’s finally sunk in,” said defender Luke Ayling.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.Leeds United's Patrick Bamford. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.
Leeds United's Patrick Bamford. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA Wire.

“We finished it off the way it should be finished, with us top. I think we’ve been the best team in the league and West Brom have been the second-best, so I think it’s right how it finished.

“We made a point to respect the competition because there were still teams playing for stuff.”

Bamford admitted it was not easy playing two matches which were meaningless to Leeds, but was proud of the response.

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“It’s sometimes hard to get yourself up for those games but I think it was testament to the lads and the staff,” he reflected.

“Against Derby, our running stats were through the roof. Whether everyone was running on alcohol fumes I don’t know but we did the club proud this season and we’ve topped it off with two great performances.”

Those feelings were echoed by Ben White, the only player to start all 46 league matches.

“We needed to be as professional as we could and I think we’ve shown why we’re champions,” said the on-loan central defender, whose volley opened the scoring on Wednesday.

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The Championship prides itself on its unpredictability and how Leeds overcame setbacks pleased top-scorer Bamford.

“You go through the ups and downs and it’s about the teams that can manage the downtimes as well as possible,” said the striker, who saw his team come out of a run of two wins in 12 games.

“In the end, 10 points seems crazy to win the league by but it was tight at times and it’s been a tough league. There’s not been one easy game and everyone makes the league what it is.”

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