Basham won me over in the promotion season. For two seasons before that under Chuff and Madkins, I thought he was a nothing player. He went missing when he played in midfield and he was poor and uncertain defensively. For the first few months under Wilder, I thought he was at best, a useful versatile sub to bring on. Then he improved dramatically to the point where by February of that season, he would have been the first name on the sheet for me with some commanding displays at RCB. And for me he hasn't let his overall standards slip since. The other things that Wilder will put more importance on that supporters don't see is his character, his enthusiasm and obvious love of playing for the club, his desire to win, his leadership, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room and on the training ground. He's the model pro, an absolute dream to manage.
I want to be there on that day where he makes one of those surging runs, but instead of panicking at the edge of the box and tapping it sideways, he Cruyff turns the centre half before smashing it in the corner of the net...... you can do it Bash!
