Manager Karl Robinson has today (Tuesday) confirmed striker Patrick Bamford will not be returning to Football Club after his loan deal expires this weekend.
The Dons had been locked in negotiations with Chelsea for several weeks to try and extend Bamford’s stay loan deal beyond 5th January but the talented youngster, who has netted 16 goals in 28 games this season, is set to link back up with his parent club following Saturday’s FA Cup with Budweiser tie with Wigan Athletic before joining, what is believed to be, a Championship side on loan for the remainder of the season.
Speaking to mkdons.com, a disappointed Robinson said: “Wigan is going to be (Patrick’s) last game. The boy’s disappointed, we’re disappointed but you’ve got to be respectful to Chelsea. It’s not a case of anything we’ve done wrong, instead Chelsea has thanked us for everything we’ve done and they’ve said they couldn’t have wished for the loan deal to go any better.
“I do believe there are four or five top Championship clubs vying for his signature to try and strengthen for the back end of the season. If I was a Championship manager, I would be going for Patrick and if I was Chelsea I would probably want to see him challenged at the next level.
“Whoever does get his signature will be getting a very, very talented footballer. We wish him luck, he’s a wonderful boy and he’s somebody who I’ll always stay in contact with and one day, hopefully work with again.
“I do wish him all the luck in the world and I want the fans to give him a tremendous send off on Wednesday and then on Saturday for those who travel to Wigan. This is a decision that’s not been made by him, it’s been made by his Club for the benefit of his career.
“Lastly, I want to say thank you to Chelsea, Neil Bath, Eddie Newton and Tore Andre Flo for giving us the opportunity to work with Patrick.”
Bamford has made 42 appearances during three separate loans spells at the Club, scoring 20 goals while also establishing himself as one of the brightest young English strikers in the country. Bamford’s tremendous form this season saw him named the Sky Bet League 1 Player of the Month award in October as well as earn his first call-up to the England Under-21s side.
And Robinson admits he’ll be a difficult man to replace this January transfer window. He added: “I wanted to strengthen and keep Patrick but now I’ve got to do extra work to try and do that. It’s frustrating.
“He fitted in really well here but now it’s my job now to find a replacement. I want to delve into the loan market and I want to bring in more strikers but we've also got players here who can fill the void in Izale, Daniel Powell and Dean Bowditch when he's back fit."
Supporters will have a chance to show their appreciation for Bamford, as he is still eligible to play in tomorrow’s Sky Bet League 1 clash with Colchester United as well as the weekend’s FA Cup tie with Wigan Athletic.
Meanwhile, Robinson revealed that decisions have yet to be made regarding the futures of Jason Banton, Samir Carruthers, Dale Jennings and Jordan Spence, whose loan deals also expire this weekend.
