Played for Both: Sheffield United vs Bolton Wanderers - Chris Basham

Chris Basham was originally in the Newcastle United youth system but joined Bolton Wanderers after being released by the Magpies. In between the two clubs he was employed flipping burgers in McDonalds.

After a series of loans Basham made his Premier League debut for Bolton in a 4-1 win over Sunderland in 2008. He would go on to score his first goal for the club when Bolton nearly came back from 4-0 down at Stamford Bridge in 2009. What a game that nearly was!

He would make 19 appearances for the Wanderers between his break through and leaving the club in 2010.

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Despite signing a contract extension until 2012 he would leave for Blackpool in 2010. The deal was reported to have been for £1 million as the newly promoted side looked to add to their ranks. He never became a regular for the team in the Premier League but would once they were relegated to the Championship, despite a series of injuries.

Blackpool offered him a new contract when his deal expired but he opted to join today’s opponents Sheffield United on a free transfer.

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Basham quickly became a first team regular in his first season making over 40 appearances in league and cup. He scored a goal against Swindon Town in the club’s unsuccessful play off campaign. During Nigel Atkins season in charge of the club he continued as a regular and even captained the side on occasion.

He would continue as a regular under a third manager when Chris Wilder took over the club and was a key player as United walked to the League One title. Throughout his time at the club he has been utilised at centre back and in the centre of midfield illustrating his versatility.

His performances in their promotion campaign was enough to earn him a new contract. He has remained a regular in a team threatening to obtain back to back promotions straight to the top tier. He even popped up with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Ipswich earlier in the season.

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Now 29 there can be no doubt that Basham is one who got away as Bolton fell down the league system to a lower level than many of our former charges.