Chris Basham

[Slim Man]

Think he splits opinion more than even Matt Done on here. Does he fit in YOUR strongest first XI?

For me he's a fantastic player to have on the bench for his versatility, and gives his all. But our best run coincided with having Freeman - EEL - Wright - JOC/Basham - Lafferty. Now I don't think JOC can even be considered to be dropped now, he's our best of the current 3. So that leaves EEL and Basham if we're wanting to bring Wright back in - and that's a mismatch. EEL is too big a threat in both boxes, and despite a few errors recently for me he doesn't deserve to be dropped.

We can't disrupt the best midfield in the league. So the only way in my opinion Basham can stay in the team is a change of formation. Which would be a huge overreaction.

This isn't a reaction to one loss, it's a reaction to looking wobbly over the past few weeks.

So poll time, doesn't matter what position - does Chris Basham feature in our best 11?

I expect polar opposites here.

 

[Ricky]

I dispute that our best run was with EEL Wright J'OC as the back 3. Defensively maybe, but overall our results recently have been as good if not better than any other period of the season.

I think the Port Vale game sticks in a lot of people's minds, but that was one game against a side with the worst away record in the league at the time. It was our first resounding win so people automatically consider the line up from that day as our strongest.

Basham or Wright? Horses for courses. Both have strong cases to be selected.

 

[Slim Man]

I dispute that our best run was with EEL Wright J'OC as the back 3. Defensively maybe, but overall our results recently have been as good if not better than any other period of the season.

I think the Port Vale game sticks in a lot of people's minds, but that was one game against a side with the worst away record in the league at the time. It was our first resounding win so people automatically consider the line up from that day as our strongest.

Basham or Wright? Horses for courses. Both have strong cases to be selected.

Not just that, I always feel more comfortable with those 3. I don't think Basham is a centre half nor a centre mid. He's a jack of all trades.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

as posted before, ONLY Basham allows the team to change formation from 3-5-2 (or 3-4-1-2) to 4-4-2.

Isn't his versatility why CW plays Basham and why he is first on the team sheet?

I don't think Basham is the best defender or midfield player - but he gives us options and it is options that CW keep talking about with changes during a game.

For now, Bash is one of the 1st on the team sheet in L1 - he'll have problems next season - in fact I bet he isn't on the team sheet for game 1 next season - and this is from a fan of Basham.

UTB

 

[Caseh]

I don't think he fits in the strongest 11 when everyone is playing well, but right now I don't think he is the weak link in the defence - That I believe is EEL.

 

[Ricky]

EEL Wright J'OC is the best defensive balance but Basham's useful in many other ways which have been discussed.

Moving him into midfield probably won us the MK Dons game for example, and nearly every other game hasn't been close enough for the defensive selection to make a real difference, even if we've only won by one goal we've been dominant and relatively untroubled.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Why is it at least once a week we have this stupid question, Wilder picks Basham because he knows he's one of our better players, heads it better than most, tackles harder than most, not the best passer of the ball but not that bad. I suggest you join the TD hate Basham club. Yesterday we got done for pace at the back, if you think Wright is the answer to that then your wrong.

 

[blade67]

Think he splits opinion more than even Matt Done on here. Does he fit in YOUR strongest first XI?

For me he's a fantastic player to have on the bench for his versatility, and gives his all. But our best run coincided with having Freeman - EEL - Wright - JOC/Basham - Lafferty. Now I don't think JOC can even be considered to be dropped now, he's our best of the current 3. So that leaves EEL and Basham if we're wanting to bring Wright back in - and that's a mismatch. EEL is too big a threat in both boxes, and despite a few errors recently for me he doesn't deserve to be dropped.

We can't disrupt the best midfield in the league. So the only way in my opinion Basham can stay in the team is a change of formation. Which would be a huge overreaction.

This isn't a reaction to one loss, it's a reaction to looking wobbly over the past few weeks.

So poll time, doesn't matter what position - does Chris Basham feature in our best 11?

I expect polar opposites here.

I voted yes but the real answer is "depends". After yesterday, I'd drop EEL if I dropped anyone. There are 4 players who are all worth a place in the 3 centre back positions and it's 3 from 4 based on form and fitness for me. The advantage basham provides is that Wilder can change formation without using a sub by pushing him into midfield and that is why Wright has been sat on the bench.

 

[andy m]

Combination of any 3 from 4 will have both its strengths and weaknesses. I guess CW feels the strengths Basham brings currently outweigh the weaknesses, thats why he plays him.

 

[Bladesman]

Moore
Wright EEL O'Connell
Freeman Coutts Fleck Lafferty
Duffy
Sharp Lavery

Bash on the bench along with Done.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Catagorically not.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Why is it at least once a week we have this stupid question, Wilder picks Basham because he knows he's one of our better players, heads it better than most, tackles harder than most, not the best passer of the ball but not that bad. I suggest you join the TD hate Basham club. Yesterday we got done for pace at the back, if you think Wright is the answer to that then your wrong.

The question is asked because it is a forum, and people just......can.

As the team progresses (as it is), people are now looking at the weaknesses of the team.

Basham unfortunately comes into this as he doesn't really have a nailed down place like many others.

The dilemma is no team is right with hindsight - and Walsall was one of those games where people are asking the hard questions - mainly because we don't like getting stuffed 4-1.

UTB

 

[Hodgyman]

My choice for the current weakest link is Lafferty. I would rather see Bash having a go at left wing back instead, allowing Wright another run at centre back

 

[Slug]

Basham to play the home games and Wright the away ones.

 

[The_Green_Man]

Basham is an annoying one really.....

He can be pretty steady and solid in some games whilst being unspectacular, then you flip the coin and some games he gets ripped a new one.

Basham is a steady'ish League One player and for this reason he is prone to mistakes...You can't fault his endeavour at times however you can only carry a liability for so long, make do for this season but then seek a replacement....Massively important if we achieve promotion!

 

[davidblade]

I voted yes but the real answer is "depends". After yesterday, I'd drop EEL if I dropped anyone. There are 4 players who are all worth a place in the 3 centre back positions and it's 3 from 4 based on form and fitness for me. The advantage basham provides is that Wilder can change formation without using a sub by pushing him into midfield and that is why Wright has been sat on the bench.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

The question is asked because it is a forum, and people just......can.

As the team progresses (as it is), people are now looking at the weaknesses of the team.

Basham unfortunately comes into this as he doesn't really have a nailed down place like many others.

The dilemma is no team is right with hindsight - and Walsall was one of those games where people are asking the hard questions - mainly because we don't like getting stuffed 4-1.

UTB

Apart from being suspended for 3 games after his sending off at Scunny, his place has been well and truly nailed down all season, hence that's one of the reasons why were top of the league.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

simple answer. Basham doesn't have to pace to play at this level. He has the ability but his lack of pace is a liability.

If/when we get promoted, it's the one area I think we're lacking. A couple of exceptions aside, we lack the foot speed.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Think he splits opinion more than even Matt Done on here. Does he fit in YOUR strongest first XI?

For me he's a fantastic player to have on the bench for his versatility, and gives his all. But our best run coincided with having Freeman - EEL - Wright - JOC/Basham - Lafferty. Now I don't think JOC can even be considered to be dropped now, he's our best of the current 3. So that leaves EEL and Basham if we're wanting to bring Wright back in - and that's a mismatch. EEL is too big a threat in both boxes, and despite a few errors recently for me he doesn't deserve to be dropped.

We can't disrupt the best midfield in the league. So the only way in my opinion Basham can stay in the team is a change of formation. Which would be a huge overreaction.

This isn't a reaction to one loss, it's a reaction to looking wobbly over the past few weeks.

So poll time, doesn't matter what position - does Chris Basham feature in our best 11?

I expect polar opposites here.

Yes he does divide opinion............Basham in my best 11..........no.

Watch the highlights from yesterday,the first goal Bashams caught out of position and try's to track the oppo player from the halfway line but gives up in the end and they score.

He's a utility type that needs to be put on the bench.

We either need Jake W back in central defense or sign another quality CB to play that position,and bench Basham.

 

[Silent Blade]

Stupid Poll!

 

[Tyler Durden]

Why is it at least once a week we have this stupid question, Wilder picks Basham because he knows he's one of our better players, heads it better than most, tackles harder than most, not the best passer of the ball but not that bad. I suggest you join the TD hate Basham club. Yesterday we got done for pace at the back, if you think Wright is the answer to that then your wrong.

Cheers for the input Chris.

And by the way, you were nowhere to be seen for two of those goals, you seemed to think you were a centre-forward yesterday for some reason. I guess that's now three positions you can't play in.

 

[Ricky]

simple answer. Basham doesn't have to pace to play at this level. He has the ability but his lack of pace is a liability.

Seriously? Out of all the faults you could find with Basham, you choose pace? He's one of our quickest players! He's definitely our quickest defender. He's quicker than most centre halves and midfielders at this level. He's not lightning, but he's certainly mobile, and far from slow.

In addition to that his stamina is superb and he's got good agility too.

 

[Slim Man]

Stupid Poll!

Why? Hahaha

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Seriously? Out of all the faults you could find with Basham, you choose pace? He's one of our quickest players! He's definitely our quickest defender. He's quicker than most centre halves and midfielders at this level. He's not lightning, but he's certainly mobile, and far from slow.

In addition to that his stamina is superb and he's got good agility too.

Really? He runs like he's wearing lead boots. My mum is quicker and she's had a double hip replacement.

 

[Antonb]

Really? He runs like he's wearing lead boots. My mum is quicker and she's had a double hip replacement.

Now I'm not bashams biggest fan either but he is one of our quickest players. Faster than any of our defenders for sure.you haven't seen any of our games this season? Basham wasn't the reason we got beat. It was Moore, Freeman and Ebank's.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Now I'm not bashams biggest fan either but he is one of our quickest players. Faster than any of our defenders for sure.you haven't seen any of our games this season? Basham wasn't the reason we got beat. It was Moore, Freeman and Ebank's.

So the argument is reduced to a show us your ticket stubs is it? Been to every home game pal. You? And Neither did I say that's why we got beat...

No matter how many games you/I/ my auntie Dorothy have been to doesn't make Basham any faster. He runs like he's in water, wearing a wet duffelcoat with pockets full of coppers...

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Now I'm not bashams biggest fan either but he is one of our quickest players. Faster than any of our defenders for sure.you haven't seen any of our games this season? Basham wasn't the reason we got beat. It was Moore, Freeman and Ebank's.

Watch the highlights of their first goal and you will see Basham does indeed play in lead filled boots,if you have trouble identifying Basham he's the player running back from the halfway line trying to catch the attacking player with the ball,in the end he gives up chasing.

 

[Antonb]

So the argument is reduced to a show us your ticket stubs is it? Been to every home game pal. You? And Neither did I say that's why we got beat...

No matter how many games you/I/ my auntie Dorothy have been to doesn't make Basham any faster. He runs like he's in water, wearing a wet duffelcoat with pockets full of coppers...

No you know what I am saying. No disrespect but you don't know what your talking about. I not going to get into a daft post with you anymore because it would be like trying to talk to a brick wall.I would get more sense out of it!

 

[Slim Man]

I think Basham has his limitations but I don't think pace is one of them. Speed of thought maybe but he's quicker on his feet than most of our other players. Probably an example of us needing more pace as much as anything!

 

[Antonb]

Duffy gave the ball away witch started the move for the first goal, basham like freeman does, had joined the attack and had just delivered the cross into the box, that's way he was bombing back behind the player, there was still a lot of work to do for them to score, Moore should have saved it for a start, as well as Ebanks was like a statue. The main culprits for the loss yesterday, was Moore , Ebanks and freeman. Basham hardly comes into it. And I am not a fan of Basham at all.