Chris Basham
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Chris Basham
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Christopher Paul Basham{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1603207 |title=Updated squad lists for 2019/20 Premier League |publisher=Premier League |date=6 February 2020 |access-date=30 May 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|7|20|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/92884/chris-basham |title=Chris Basham: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=30 May 2020}}
| birth_place = Hebburn, England
| height = {{convert|1.90|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3581/Chris-Basham/overview |title=Chris Basham: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=30 May 2020}}
| position = Defensive midfielder / Centre back{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/chris-basham/ |title=Chris Basham: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=30 May 2020}}
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = –2004
| youthclubs1 = Newcastle United
| youthyears2 = 2006
| youthclubs2 = Bolton Wanderers
| years1 = 2006–2010
| clubs1 = Bolton Wanderers
| caps1 = 19
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2006–2007
| clubs2 = → Stafford Rangers (loan)
| caps2 = 3
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2007–2008
| clubs3 = → Rochdale (loan)
| caps3 = 13
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2010–2014
| clubs4 = Blackpool
| caps4 = 85
| goals4 = 5
| years5 = 2014–2024
| clubs5 = Sheffield United
| caps5 = 344
| goals5 = 11
| nationalyears1 =
| nationalteam1 =
| nationalcaps1 =
| nationalgoals1 =
| club-update = 9 October 2023 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update =
| totalgoals = 17
| totalcaps = 464
}}
Christopher Paul Basham (born 20 July 1988) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder or centre back. He spent the majority of his professional career at Sheffield United where he became best known as a pioneer of the role of the overlapping centre back (usually on the right flank), a position he developed under Chris Wilder during the 2016–17 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/wilder-explains-history-of-overlapping-centre-back-system-still-used-today/ | title=Wilder explains history of overlapping centre-back system still used today | date=7 February 2020 }}
Having started as a junior with Newcastle United, he played for Bolton Wanderers, as well as having loan spells at Stafford Rangers and Rochdale, prior to joining Blackpool in August 2010.
Career
=Bolton Wanderers=
Basham was a member of the youth team at Newcastle United before being released at age sixteen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11683/11877837/chris-basham-sheffield-united-stars-rise-from-newcastle-reject-and-fast-food-worker|title=Chris Basham: Sheffield United star's rise from Newcastle reject and fast food worker|website=Sky Sports}} Soon after, he joined Bolton Wanderers, where he signed his first professional contract with the club, signing a two-year deal. In November 2006 Basham joined Conference National side Stafford Rangers on a month's loan, making his debut on 25 November in a 2–2 home draw with St Albans City. After four appearances for Rangers, Basham returned to Bolton when his loan deal expired.
On 7 February 2008, Basham joined League Two side Rochdale on loan until the end of the 2007–08 season.{{cite news|title=Rochdale bring in Bolton's Basham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/7233428.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2008|access-date=12 December 2016}} Making his debut on 12 February 2008 in a 4–2 home defeat to Hereford United,{{cite news|title=Rochdale 2 - 4 Hereford United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7236380.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 February 2008|access-date=12 December 2016}} Basham went on to make a total of 13 appearances for his temporary employers, helping Rochdale to finish fifth in the league and qualify for the League Two play-offs.
The following season saw Basham make his senior debut for Bolton Wanderers as an 89th-minute substitute in the 4–1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 29 November 2008.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 1 - 4 Bolton Wanderers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7742083.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=29 November 2008|access-date=12 December 2016}} He scored his first goal on 11 April 2009, in a 4–3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge,{{cite news|title=Chelsea 4 - 3 Bolton Wanderers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978838.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=11 April 2009|access-date=12 December 2016}} and eventually made a total of eleven appearances that season.
The following season saw Basham making his first appearance came on 29 August 2009, where he came on as a substitute in the second half, in a 3–2 loss against Liverpool,{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 2 - 3 Liverpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8222679.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2009|access-date=12 December 2016}} followed up by assisting a winning goal for Gary Cahill, in a 3–2 win over Portsmouth on 12 September 2009.{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 2 - 3 Bolton Wanderers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8245847.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2009|access-date=12 December 2016}} On 6 November 2009, and after 17 appearances for the club, Basham signed a contract extension with Bolton until the summer of 2012.{{cite web|title=Basham pens Bolton extension|url=http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=296298|publisher=Sportbox|access-date=16 August 2010|date=6 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724103509/http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=296298|archive-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead}} Remaining on the fringes of the first-team Basham made a total of eight league and two cup appearances in the 2009–10 season before an injury kept him out for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Basham injury adds to Whites woes|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/5000639.Basham_injury_adds_to_Whites_woes/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=19 February 2010|access-date=12 December 2016}}
=Blackpool=
On 6 August 2010, Bolton Wanderers turned down a bid from newly promoted Premier League side Blackpool.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers reject bid for Basham|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/8317316.Bolton_Wanderers_reject_bid_for_Basham/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=6 August 2010|access-date=12 December 2016}} Eventually, Blackpool made a second bid for Basham, which was accepted by the club{{cite news|title=Basham still on Seasiders' wanted list|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/8326084.Basham_still_on_Seasiders____wanted_list/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=12 August 2010|access-date=12 December 2016}} and the next day, on 13 August 2010, Basham signed a three-year contract with Blackpool for a fee reported to be in the region of £1million.{{cite web|url=http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/127850-blackpool-fc-closing-in-on-bolton-wanderers-defender-chris-basham.html|title=Blackpool FC closing in on Bolton Wanderers defender Chris Basham|publisher=Click Lancashire|date=13 August 2010|access-date=18 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708164754/http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/127850-blackpool-fc-closing-in-on-bolton-wanderers-defender-chris-basham.html|archive-date=8 July 2011|url-status=usurped}}
The following day after signing for the club, Basham made his debut as a 60th-minute substitute for Marlon Harewood as Blackpool marked their Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2010–11 season with a 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.{{cite news|last=Sanghera|first=Mandeep|title=Wigan 0-4 Blackpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8904972.stm|access-date=20 May 2014|website=BBC Sport|date=14 August 2010}} It wasn't until 10 November when he made his second league appearance, playing the whole game against Aston Villa in a 3–2 loss.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 3 - 2 Blackpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9163006.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=10 November 2010|access-date=12 December 2016}} However, Basham spent most of the season on the reserve bench or injured{{cite news|title=Basham fights back from leg-break|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/basham-fights-back-from-leg-break-1-3212814|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|date=24 March 2011|access-date=12 December 2016}} and at the end of the season, the club were relegated to the Championship.
After appearing in three matches at the start of the 2011–12 season, Basham suffered an injury that kept him out for a month. He was expected to be sent out on loan following his recovery,{{cite news |date=6 October 2011 |title=Basham seeking action |publisher=Blackpool Gazette |url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/basham-seeking-action-1-3842860 |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212210327/http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/basham-seeking-action-1-3842860 |archive-date=12 December 2016}} however he was recalled to the first team due to the club's injury crisis.{{cite news |date=2 December 2011 |title=Problems at the back for Pool |publisher=Blackpool Gazette |url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/problems-at-the-back-for-pool-1-4027951 |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212210413/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/problems-at-the-back-for-pool-1-4027951 |archive-date=12 December 2016}} On 10 December 2011, Basham scored his first goal for Blackpool, heading the first equaliser of a 2–2 away draw at Southampton.{{cite news|title=Southampton 2-2 Blackpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16110443|access-date=20 May 2014|website=BBC Sport|date=10 December 2011}} His second goal for the club came on 21 January 2012, in a 2–1 win over Crystal Palace.{{cite news|title=Blackpool 2 - 1 Crystal Palace|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16559765.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=21 January 2012|access-date=12 December 2016}} He made 21 appearances during the season in all competitions, scoring twice.
In the 2012–13 season, Basham appeared in and out of the first team at the start of the season, due to being on the sidelines and played in the reserve.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/bruna-hat-trick-inspires-pool-victory-429403.aspx|title=Bruna Hat-Trick Inspires Pool Victory|publisher=Blackpool F.C.|date=16 October 2012|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811191232/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/bruna-hat-trick-inspires-pool-victory-429403.aspx|archive-date=11 August 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Give me another Basham, please|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/give-me-another-bash-please-1-5218963|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|date=14 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2016}} By the time he suffered ankle injury in early-December, he made seven appearances.{{cite news|title=Blackpool sweat over duo's fitness|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-sweat-over-duo-s-fitness-1-5235636|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|date=18 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2016}} After returning from injury, Basham then scored his first Blackpool on 29 December 2012, in a 4–2 loss against Middlesbrough.{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 4 - 2 Blackpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20823204|website=BBC Sport|date=29 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2016}} As the 2012–13 season progressed, Basham remained in the first team despite suffering from injuries during a match against Leicester City that kept him out for a month{{cite news|title=Pool midfielder injury shock|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/pool-midfielder-injury-shock-1-5459816|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|date=1 March 2013|access-date=12 December 2016}} and went on to finish the 2012–13 season, making 28 appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Following this, Blackpool opted to take up their option of a contract extension, keeping Basham under contract until summer 2014.{{cite news|title=Thomas Ince & Matt Phillips: Blackpool take up one-year options|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22465800|website=BBC Sport|date=9 May 2013|access-date=12 December 2016}}
In the 2013–14 season, Basham began to establish himself in the first team and started well, helping the club go unbeaten for the first six matches to the start of the season, including scoring his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Middlesbrough on 17 August 2013.{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Blackpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23644564|website=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2013|access-date=12 December 2016}} After appearing four matches throughout September, including scoring another against Leicester City,{{cite news|title=Blackpool 2 - 2 Leicester City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24089894|website=BBC Sport|date=21 September 2013|access-date=12 December 2016}} Basham's performance earned him Wonga.com Player of the Month award for September.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/basham-collects-september-award-1091455.aspx|title=Basham Collects September Award|publisher=Blackpool F.C.|date=2 October 2013|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212220336/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/basham-collects-september-award-1091455.aspx|archive-date=12 December 2016|url-status=live}} Despite missing out on two occasions, due to injury{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/forest-preview-2013-1149072.aspx|title=Nottingham Forest Preview|publisher=Blackpool F.C.|date=1 November 2013|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212220830/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/forest-preview-2013-1149072.aspx|archive-date=12 December 2016|url-status=live}} and suspension,{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/big-preview-sheff-wed-1114-1266382.aspx|title=Big Preview: Sheffield Wednesday|publisher=Blackpool F.C.|date=31 December 2013|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212221101/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/big-preview-sheff-wed-1114-1266382.aspx|archive-date=12 December 2016|url-status=live}} Basham continued to be in the first team throughout the season and went on to make 42 appearances in all competitions.
At the end of the 2013–14 season, Basham was offered a new contract by the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/retained-list-201314-1554900.aspx|title=Retained List|publisher=Blackpool F.C.|date=16 May 2014|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519032844/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/retained-list-201314-1554900.aspx|archive-date=19 May 2014|url-status=live}}
=Sheffield United=
On 5 June 2014, Basham signed a three-year deal with Sheffield United on a free transfer after his contract with Blackpool came to an end.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United: Butler and Basham become Blades|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-utd/sheffield-united-butler-and-basham-become-blades-1-6656651|access-date=30 June 2014|publisher=Sheffield Star|date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031063750/http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-utd/sheffield-united-butler-and-basham-become-blades-1-6656651|archive-date=31 October 2014|url-status=dead}} Upon joining the club, Basham was given number six shirt for the new season.{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20140801-squad-numbers-1798205.aspx|title=Squad numbers|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=1 August 2014|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214191245/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20140801-squad-numbers-1798205.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}}
Basham made his Sheffield United debut in a 2–1 loss against Bristol City in the opening game of the season, playing 86 minutes before being substituted.{{cite news|title=Sky Bet League One: Bristol City edge out Sheffield United at Bramall Lane|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/sheff-utd-vs-bristol-c/314328|publisher=Sky Sports|date=12 August 2014|access-date=14 December 2016}} He became a first team regular at the club and was praised by manager Nigel Clough,{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20141023-praise-for-basham-2036068.aspx|title=Praise for Basham|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=23 October 2014|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214191745/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20141023-praise-for-basham-2036068.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}} playing most of the season in midfield or centre-back positions.{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20141119-chris-basham-bp-2091408.aspx|title=Chris Basham on role|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=19 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214192301/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20141119-chris-basham-bp-2091408.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}} As the 2014–15 season progressed, he continued to be in the first team unless suspended{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-clough-chris-basham-2172194.aspx|title=Blades will cope without Basham|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=29 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214192638/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-clough-chris-basham-2172194.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-clough-2329701.aspx|title=Boss on defensive options|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=12 March 2015|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214192844/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-clough-2329701.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}} or injured.{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3789941&tcmuri=2088459|title=Blades 1-1 Chesterfield - report|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=3 May 2015|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214193148/http://www.sufc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3789941&tcmuri=2088459|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}} In the League One play-offs, Basham played both legs against Swindon Town and scored in the second leg, a 5–5 draw.{{cite news |date=11 May 2015 |title=Swindon Town 5-5 Sheffield United (7-6 agg) |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32579316 |access-date=14 December 2016}} However, this was not enough to progress, having previously lost the first leg 2–1.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 1-2 Swindon: Nathan Byrne's late strike hands Robins advantage|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/sheff-utd-vs-swindon/336760|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 May 2015|access-date=14 December 2016}} He finished his first season at the club making 50 appearances in all competitions (37 in the league).
In the 2015–16 season, Basham continued to be a first team regular following the arrival of manager Nigel Adkins. He captained the club for the first time against Doncaster Rovers on 26 September 2015, also scoring his first goal of the season in a 3–1 win.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 3 - 1 Doncaster Rovers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34299158|website=BBC Sport|date=26 September 2015|access-date=14 December 2016}} Basham went on to captain the team on five occasions following Jay McEveley's absence.{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-chris-basham-2722299.aspx|title=Captain Bash|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=2 October 2015|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214194721/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-chris-basham-2722299.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}} His second goal of the season came on 28 November 2015, in a 1–1 draw against Barnsley.{{cite news|title=Barnsley 1-1 Sheffield United: Late strike from Tykes blunts Blades|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/barnsley-vs-sheff-utd/340311|website=BBC Sport|date=28 November 2015|access-date=14 December 2016}} Basham also scored against Walsall in April.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 2-0 Walsall: Blade dent Saddlers' promotion hopes|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/sheff-utd-vs-walsall/340560|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2 April 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} Despite missing two league matches due to injuries,{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-adkins-2924652.aspx|title=Trio expected to return|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=29 January 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214200413/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-nigel-adkins-2924652.aspx|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Blades boss reveals his trust in latest starlet Ben Whiteman|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/blades-boss-reveals-his-trust-in-latest-starlet-ben-whiteman-1-7795822|work=The Star|date=15 March 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} he made 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
In the 2016–17 season, Basham retained his place under manager Chris Wilder and played in midfield alongside Paul Coutts.{{cite news |date=11 September 2016 |title=Sheffield United: Louis Reed hopes for more of a chance under Blades boss Chris Wilder |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-louis-reed-s-blades-target-1-8177724 |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017035123/https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-louis-reed-s-blades-target-1-8177724 |archive-date=17 October 2016}}{{cite news |date=18 October 2016 |title=Sheffield United: John Fleck set to receive the go-ahead |work=The Star |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-john-fleck-set-to-receive-the-go-ahead-1-8185903 |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020060956/https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-john-fleck-set-to-receive-the-go-ahead-1-8185903 |archive-date=20 October 2016}} Basham scored his first goal of the season – but was later sent off – in a 2–2 draw against Scunthorpe United on 24 September 2016.{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe United 2 – 2 Sheffield United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37392621|website=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} After serving a three-match league suspension,{{cite news|title=Sheffield United: Chris Basham will not face internal investigation after being sent-off at Scunthorpe United|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-chris-basham-will-not-face-internal-investigation-after-being-sent-off-at-scunthorpe-1-8147631|work=The Star|date=27 September 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} Basham returned on 18 October 2016 in a 3–0 win against Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news|title=Billy Sharp doubles-up to tame Shrews - Shrewsbury Town 0 Sheffield United|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/billy-sharp-doubles-up-to-tame-shrews-shrewsbury-town-0-sheffield-united-3-1-8188320|work=The Star|date=18 October 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} This was followed by scoring in the next game, a 3–3 draw against Bradford City.{{cite news|title=Bradford City 3 - 3 Sheffield United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37663456|website=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} Two weeks later, on 6 November 2016, Basham scored and registered an assist in a 6–0 win over Leyton Orient in the first round of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 6 - 0 Leyton Orient|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37813896|website=BBC Sport|date=6 November 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} Due to his impressive performances, Wilder hinted that Basham could be earning a new contract, with a year to his current deal remaining.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United: Blades stars are set for new deals|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-blades-stars-are-set-for-new-deals-1-8288244|work=The Star|date=14 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}} As the 2016–17 season progressed, Basham began to play in defence as a centre-back, alongside teammates such as Jack O'Connell, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Jake Wright.{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=Sheffield United: Leon Clarke out for a month with ankle injury |work=The Star |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-leon-clarke-out-for-a-month-with-ankle-injury-1-8145720 |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502204409/https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-leon-clarke-out-for-a-month-with-ankle-injury-1-8145720 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}{{cite news|title=Sheffield United: Former Bolton star Chris Basham wants to prove nice guys can finish first|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-former-bolton-star-chris-basham-wants-to-prove-nice-guys-can-finish-first-1-8406140|work=The Star|date=24 February 2017|access-date=2 May 2017}} In a 3–0 win over Port Vale on 14 April 2017, Basham produced an impressive display when he set up two goals.{{cite news|title=Match Report: Port Vale 0, Sheffield United 3|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/match-report-port-vale-0-sheffield-united-3-1-8494299|work=The Star|date=14 April 2017|access-date=2 May 2017}} At the end of the season Sheffield United were crowned champions of League One, with Basham making 48 appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions.
In July 2017, Basham penned a new two-year contract with the Blades having played a key role in United's promotion to the Championship.{{cite news|title=New Contracts|url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2017/july/new-contracts/|publisher=Sheffield United FC|date=18 July 2017|access-date=18 July 2017}} On 28 April 2019, Basham saw his second promotion in three seasons with United as the Blades were promoted to the Premier League.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48026965|title=Sheffield United promoted to Premier League after Leeds draw|website=BBC Sport|date=2019-04-28|access-date=2019-04-30}} On 1 August 2020, Basham signed a new two-year deal at Sheffield United.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2020/august/basham-deal/|title=New deal for popular Bash|first=Sheffield United|last=FC|website=Sheffield United FC|date=August 2020 }} Basham won the Player of the Year award and Players' Player of the Year award for the 2019–20 season. On 12 May 2022, Basham signed a new two-year deal at Sheffield United, committing his future to the summer of 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2022/may/12/new-contract-for-bash/ | title=New contract for Bash | date=12 May 2022 }} On 7 October 2023, he sustained ankle dislocation and ligament damage during a 3–1 defeat against Fulham.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67041186 |title=Chris Basham: Sheffield United captain suffers severe lower-leg injury against Fulham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 October 2023 }} On 12 October 2023, it was announced that Basham had undergone two surgeries to repair the damage caused by his ankle dislocation and accompanying ligament damage.{{Cite web |last=Ridley |first=Nathan |date=2023-10-12 |title=Chris Basham offers update from hospital bed after two surgeries on horror injury |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chris-basham-injury-sheffield-united-31169200 |access-date=2023-10-12 |publisher=The Mirror}}
On 29 May 2024, the club announced he would be leaving in the summer when his contract expired.{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Sheffield United |date=2024-05-29 |title=Retained and released list |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2024/may/29/retained-list/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Sheffield United FC}}
Personal life
Basham was born in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear.{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/chris-basham-226254/ |title=Chris Basham |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=30 May 2020}} He grew up supporting Sunderland.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/sunderland-fan-can-t-wait-for-crack-at-newcastle-1-5896590|title=Sunderland fan can't wait for crack at Newcastle|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|date=28 July 2013|access-date=16 August 2013}} Basham considers Alan Cork as a great influence and is indebted to Cork for guiding him throughout his professional football career.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United: Why Chris Basham owes a debt of gratitude to Alan Cork|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-why-chris-basham-owes-a-debt-of-gratitude-to-alan-cork-1-8269531|work=The Star|date=2 December 2016|access-date=2 May 2017}}
Having two years away from football, after leaving Newcastle United at sixteen, Basham worked at McDonald's{{cite news|title=Basham goes from Big Mac to big break|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/3850102.Basham_goes_from_Big_Mac_to_big_break/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=15 November 2008|access-date=12 December 2016}} and enrolled at Gateshead College{{cite news|title=I went from Newcastle trainee to Serving Nicky Butt at McDonalds and now to the Premier League|url=https://theathletic.com/1084386/2019/08/05/chris-basham-i-went-from-newcastle-trainee-to-serving-nicky-butt-at-mcdonalds-and-now-to-the-premier-league/|publisher=The Athletic|date=5 August 2019|access-date=18 June 2023}} and trained with their Academy for Sport.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}
Career statistics
{{updated|7 October 2023}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Sheffield United
- EFL League One: 2016–17{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2017–2018 |year=2017 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-3397-4 |pages=326–327}}
- EFL Championship runner-up: 2018–19,{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Football Yearbook 2019–2020 |year=2019 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-6111-3 |pages=320–231}} 2022–23
Individual
- Sheffield United Player of the Year: 2019–20{{Cite web|url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2020/july/player-of-the-year-awards/|title=Player of the Year Awards|first=Sheffield United|last=FC|website=Sheffield United FC|date=31 July 2020 }}
- Sheffield United Players' Player of the Year: 2019–20
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.sufc.co.uk/teams/first-team/defender/chris-basham/ Profile] at the Sheffield United F.C. website
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Sheffield United F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Basham, Chris}}
Category:Footballers from Hebburn
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football central defenders
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Newcastle United F.C. players
Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Stafford Rangers F.C. players
Category:Rochdale A.F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players