Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford acknowledged that criticism from supporters is part and parcel of football and vowed to do all he can to get any doubters at Elland Road back on side.

The 25-year-old was a big-money arrival from Middlesbrough 12 months ago and whilst a goal return of nine in 23 games is very respectable, Bamford wasn't always a favourite among the Whites faithful.

With injuries impacting his game time, the former Chelsea man struggled to get a regular run in the team and when he did he didn't always convince, missing crucial at key moments over what was the defining Easter period as Marcelo Bielsa's side chased promotion.

As well as that, he didn't endear himself to anybody with his embarrassing reaction to getting Anwar El Ghazi sent off against Aston Villa towards the end of the campaign.

However, Bamford told Leeds Live that all of that is behind him now as he looks to establish himself as the main man moving forward.

"Obviously I took a bit of stick last year from the fans, but that’s part and parcel of the game. It’s just one of them things where there’s always going to be people who like you at different clubs and people who aren’t such fans and for me it’s an opportunity to prove them wrong, get them on my side.

"If we’d have gone up last year I’d have said it’s been a great season even though being out for six months, still managing to get 10 goals, I’d have been chuffed, but because we didn’t go up it was one of them where it’s been a nightmare season."

The Verdict

You have to say Bamford comes across well with his comments here and he knows that he has a lot of work to do to convince everyone he should be the number one striker at Leeds.

In fairness to him as well, his record last year was good and if he could just stay fit he would get close to the 20 goal mark.

However, fans remember every detail and he didn't deliver towards the end of the season when Leeds really needed him.

But, as he has said, that's been and gone now and all he can do is keep scoring goals as there's no doubt he is a very good forward at this level.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.