In October 1934 United signed Wrexham's Tommy Bamford. On his debut for United, he scored the only goal of the game at Newcastle United, but then took a season to find his feet in Division Two.

When United won the Second Division title in 1935-6, Bamford got seven goals in the opening six matches. He scored 14 goals in 23 appearances in 1937-8 to help United back into Division One.

Increasingly troubled by injuries, he had played only twice in the final three months of the campaign and was transferred to Swansea Town.