'The flirting is over, it's business and time for men' - former Leeds United striker joins Patrick Bamford debate and issues rallying cry

Brian Deane tweeted this morning to suggest striker Bamford, who missed a couple of good chances in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Wigan Athletic, needs Leeds fans now more than ever.

But the two-time former United forward also said there were 'no excuses' for celebrations that wind supporters up, referencing Bamford covering his ears after scoring twice in the midweek win over Millwall.

Deane's interjection was prompted by a video compilation featuring some of Bamford's misses being posted on social media by a Whites fan.

"Not sure all the stick Bamford is getting will help the whole team," said Deane.

"Probably needs fans to stick with him more than ever now, especially as the pack is closing in. The guy probably isn’t getting a decent nights sleep at the moment, time to get behind him and protect your own.

"By the way I’m talking about on social media not in the ground,someone put together a montage of his misses and posted it on Twitter that was a Leeds fan, cmon [sic] man, hold your breath for 5 months and just get behind them,no excuses for daft celebrations winding fans up either."

Deane made it clear he has no close ties to Bamford or his Leeds team-mates but wants to see them earn promotion back to the top flight, where he scored 32 goals during his first spell in United colours between 1993 and 1997.

"Just want to finish this off by saying I have no allegiances to any of the players,don’t know any of them but I’ve been promoted from this division 3 times, live here, I’m from here and want the club promoted as soon as. The flirting is over, it’s business and time for men."

Bamford is Leeds' top scorer with 12 goals this season. His performance on Saturday at Elland Road did provoke some criticism on Twitter, but he was also inundated with messages of support from United fans and has been backed by boss Marcelo Bielsa throughout the season. The head coach does not believe a lack of confidence is to blame when Leeds and Bamford are unable to get on the scoresheet.

Speaking after a recent defeat by QPR, when Bamford missed a penalty and a close range header, the Argentine said: "Bamford, our goalscorer, scored several times after a bad period for him. I don't think this change was linked with him having more confidence.

"Our offensive play is a part of the team we would develop more. Clearly there are moments where we have a lack of efficiency. But I don't think this happens because we have a lack of confidence or a good variety to attack."