Bamford left Halifax in May 1980 to join Huddersfield for the 1980–81 season, taking them to a 5th place finish in the Second Division. He then coached Wigan during the 1981–82 season, who had just returned to the First Division after being relegated two seasons ago. After the club finished in 11th, five points above the relegation places, Bamford was sacked and replaced by Alex Murphy. Bamford was then appointed head coach at Bramley. Between November 1983 and February 1985, he was coach at Leeds, and won the 1983–84 John Player Special Trophy 18–10 against Widnes.