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.
[5] 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.
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.
[10] He scored his first goal on 11 April 2009, in a 4–3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge,[11] and eventually made a total of eleven appearances that season.
[37] 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.
[39] 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.
[40] He became a first team regular at the club and was praised by manager Nigel Clough,[41] playing most of the season in midfield or centre-back positions.
In the 2016–17 season, Basham retained his place under manager Chris Wilder and played in midfield alongside Paul Coutts.
[60] Due to his impressive performances, Wilder hinted that Basham could be earning a new contract, with a year to his current deal remaining.
[61] 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.
[64] 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.
[74] Having two years away from football, after leaving Newcastle United at sixteen, Basham worked at McDonald's[7] and enrolled at Gateshead College[75] and trained with their Academy for Sport.