Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony claims that Leeds could have signed his former player Jack Marriott and paid “millions less” than the £7million they paid for Patrick Bamford.
Marriott joined Derby last summer for just over £3million.
MacAnthony was responding to a Leeds fan who said that Peterborough could have Bamford and he’d pay them for the privilege.
That followed Bamford flopping in the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Derby that Leeds went on to lose 4-2.
By contrast, Marriott came on just before half-time for Derby, scored with his first touch and then condemned Leeds to another season in the Championship with his second goal in the 85th minute of the game.
MacAnthony replied to the Leeds fan saying, “Could have paid millions less for Jack M. Feel your pain pal. But Leeds will be back. So much young talent there as well.”
Could have paid millions less for Jack M. Feel your pain pal. But Leeds will be back. So much young talent there as well. https://t.co/ARyzJR1XRh
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 16, 2019
OPINION
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Bamford seemed like a good buy at £7million but he’s only delivered in bursts for Leeds this season and while ten goals in 25 games is an okay return, he hasn’t been able to produce the goals when Leeds needed them. By contrast, Marriott was the game-changer for Derby when he was introduced and his two goals sunk Leeds last night at Elland Road. He only cost Derby £3million but he hasn’t been much more prolific than Bamford, with 12 goals in 42 games. However, unlike Bamford he’s produced in the biggest fixture of Derby’s season and if he goes on to help beat Villa in the final, he will be one of the best buys Frank Lampard will ever make. Bamford has a long way to go to get back in the good books of Leeds fans after his game last night, when he looked completely ineffectual up front.