Now's your chance Chris Basham.

[Woodwardfan]

Some on here see him as a key midfielder, I don't. Clough has always said he's a key midfielder and I suspect the lad was attracted to join us with midfield in mind.

I see a very good defender who fancies himself as a midfielder. He has an engine and he has the heart and that goes a long way. He also has height which helps our team so much. Simon Webster was a key midfielder for us and so could Basham be as good? In early season I suppose I was looking for more than Webster offered but that would in actual fact do nicely.

They are the strengths I see above. Weaknesses? Poor touch, poor game awareness, can pass short but not long. Gets into the box and usually embarrasses himself. Tends to think he is better on the ball than he actually is and wastes situations.

I think there is a place for such a player but only carefully played in partnerships with different kinds of players. Then again it's different in home games and away games. Tonight it should work with him alongside Doyle as we try to keep things tight and wear the opposition down.

Good luck Chris Basham. We need you to succeed.

 

[blade too long]

his weaknesses can be improved upon , , and the team ethic is helping him in a few months he will be awesome

 

[LSF]

.


Weaknesses? Poor touch, poor game awareness, can pass short but not long. Gets into the box and usually embarrasses himself. Tends to think he is better on the ball than he actually is and wastes situations.

Well that appraisal makes him sound a bit of a numpty footballer!

 

[Woodwardfan]

Well that appraisal makes him sound a bit of a numpty footballer!

Why not read it properly?

 

[LSF]

Why not read it properly?

Oh I have my friend and despite the other bits you've wrote about him, that sentence is rather damning don't you think?

 

[green blade]

Surely one of our best players this season ?
Has a heart , gives it his all and seems to care.

He will do for me

I can't decide if he's a good centre half or a midfield player that can cause problems but without goals.

In the system we have played Baxter, Scougall etc have to deliver more end product.

At least he is fit which is more than can be said for Baxter.

Either way he would be in my team every week.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

I know Basham has had one or two decent performances in midfield when he's been moved there during a game but based on what I've seen of him in both positions on the whole he's done better at centre half. However, just like Kennedy or McEveley, Basham would benefit in central defence by having a big dominant centre half alongside him.

Basham tall bean pole who will never be totally dominant in the air or in a challenge, Kennedy has the centre half's attitude but isn't tall enough for that role and it's not McEveley's game either. Any of them would be fine alongside a Maguire/Morgan type at centre half (frightening thought for forwards coming up against a Morgan-Kennedy partnership) but skim any two from Bash/Kennedy/McEveley and we are always going to be on the back foot against big forwards who can put themselves about effectively, think Kev Davies in the cup.

 

[S5Blade]

I thought he was quality tonight, one thing I noticed was he is proper skinny, not usually sat that close but always thought he was pretty well built but he's like a twig!

 

[Ginger Gnome]

Basham is far more effective at centre back, and if he'd been kept there before Christmas instead of us wasting time and money on McCarthy we might have a few more points.

 

[sitwell]

I thought he was quality tonight, one thing I noticed was he is proper skinny, not usually sat that close but always thought he was pretty well built but he's like a twig!

I thought he was disappointing tonight ,he is better than that ,although the small pitch didn't suit us at all.

 

[wizadry]

They are the strengths I see above. Weaknesses? Poor touch, poor game awareness, can pass short but not long. Gets into the box and usually embarrasses himself. Tends to think he is better on the ball than he actually is and wastes situations.

So apparently we have a good CB who can't control a ball, i.e poor first touch, and doesn't have the awareness to know what's around him. Now if that's the description of a good CB or any sort of decent player for that matter then he'd be better off playing tiddlywinks. Or, alternatively, it could be that he's a good all round player, i'll go for the latter.

On a footnote, if you believed his touch was that shite then wouldn't he be better losing the ball in midfield rather than defence, atleast then he has a defence behind him to try and stop a goal happening, whereas being in defence and him losing the ball you only have the keeper to beat. Just saying

I don't believe his touch is as bad as you make out though, Basham has been a breathe of fresh air on the whole this season.

 

[sheffielder]

Chris Basham has a great touch, good game awareness and can pass short and long, until he gets into the final 3rd.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Some on here see him as a key midfielder, I don't. Clough has always said he's a key midfielder and I suspect the lad was attracted to join us with midfield in mind.

I see a very good defender who fancies himself as a midfielder. He has an engine and he has the heart and that goes a long way. He also has height which helps our team so much. Simon Webster was a key midfielder for us and so could Basham be as good? In early season I suppose I was looking for more than Webster offered but that would in actual fact do nicely.

They are the strengths I see above. Weaknesses? Poor touch, poor game awareness, can pass short but not long. Gets into the box and usually embarrasses himself. Tends to think he is better on the ball than he actually is and wastes situations.

I think there is a place for such a player but only carefully played in partnerships with different kinds of players. Then again it's different in home games and away games. Tonight it should work with him alongside Doyle as we try to keep things tight and wear the opposition down.

Good luck Chris Basham. We need you to succeed.

You know I don't agree and he was once again last night very solid (as well as Doyle and Coutts)

He has license to get forward and is as he has been all season - a great box to box player. He was actually caught offside once last night as he was the furthest forward - that is what you want of midfield players who have the ABILITY to get past the LONE forward.

For me he has been consistent all season and is not doing anything different to when the season started. We just have better and more settled players around him with the "squad" being able or knowing what each of them can do - it is as a number have said "just let the squad and the team develop" - which it still is.

As for Central defence - sorry, he won't be anything but a stand in - same as Mceverley - once again last night we were weak at balls into the box and Basham doesn't solve that problem either. Good at stand in CH, can't ever be allowed to be permanent.

Kennedy was magnificent last night - my MOM ,but again both he and Mceverley were weak at balls into the box - still a problem for us but we got away with it except for their goal - ball into box!

Bash is still a great competitor thought.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

You know I don't agree and he was once again last night very solid (as well as Doyle and Coutts)

He has license to get forward and is as he has been all season - a great box to box player. He was actually caught offside once last night as he was the furthest forward - that is what you want of midfield players who have the ABILITY to get past the LONE forward.

For me he has been consistent all season and is not doing anything different to when the season started. We just have better and more settled players around him with the "squad" being able or knowing what each of them can do - it is as a number have said "just let the squad and the team develop" - which it still is.

As for Central defence - sorry, he won't be anything but a stand in - same as Mceverley - once again last night we were weak at balls into the box and Basham doesn't solve that problem either. Good at stand in CH, can't ever be allowed to be permanent.

Kennedy was magnificent last night - my MOM ,but again both he and Mceverley were weak at balls into the box - still a problem for us but we got away with it except for their goal - ball into box!

Bash is still a great competitor thought.

UTB

As I say in the OP, it's all about the blend of players who play with him. The final third is not Basham's best area though I accept that he is a willing runner. A combination of baxter and Basham would make a good midfield player and it's about complementing their strengths by picking suitable partners.

Webster and Booker both had players around them who benefited from their strengths and compensated for their weaknesses. I must say I have always liked a "big'un in midfield but Basham with Doyle and Coutts in a midfield 5 is short of forward creativity.The wingers can only provide so much and more variety of attack is needed. In a 4 man midfield Basham and Coutts in central midfield could work and then we would have two strikers and two wider men. Much depends on whether Coutts and Basham can communicate well with each other.

Clough must think Basham can create opportunities in the final third and who knows what he can do once he gets some confidence? I see nothing, you see something, I hope you are right because I think we will see a lot of him in midfield from now on, maybe even at Wembley.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

As I say in the OP, it's all about the blend of players who play with him. The final third is not Basham's best area though I accept that he is a willing runner. A combination of baxter and Basham would make a good midfield player and it's about complementing their strengths by picking suitable partners.

Webster and Booker both had players around them who benefited from their strengths and compensated for their weaknesses. I must say I have always liked a "big'un in midfield but Basham with Doyle and Coutts in a midfield 5 is short of forward creativity.The wingers can only provide so much and more variety of attack is needed. In a 4 man midfield Basham and Coutts in central midfield could work and then we would have two strikers and two wider men. Much depends on whether Coutts and Basham can communicate well with each other.

Clough must think Basham can create opportunities in the final third and who knows what he can do once he gets some confidence? I see nothing, you see something, I hope you are right because I think we will see a lot of him in midfield from now on, maybe even at Wembley.

As long as we get out of this division, we will all be happy.

One thing about Bash - he doesn't score, considering how often he pops up in the box.

The club say Kennedy can't play 2 games a week with his knee, but he was very good last night. Wonder if the club will take a chance and play him more there or perhaps it's rest time and Bash back to CH? We will see on Saturday.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

Gets 7.24 on our Player Ratings, joint third best player.

That's encouraging.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Gets 7.24 on our Player Ratings, joint third best player.

That's encouraging.

It is indeed encouraging and perhaps egg on face for some come season end when he TOPS the chart?

How is it put in horse racing.......coming up on the rails with a late run...........

UTB

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

The game passed him by on Tuesday due to all the hoof

In all seriousness I thought Tuesday was one of his poorer games, whether that was the way the game panned out I don't know. Did anyone notice the studs up challenge (similar to the one he was sent off for) around the centre circle which went unnoticed as the ref had pulled up for a free kick moments earlier ?

As I said when we signed him, difficult to know where his best position is and whilst it's great to have a versatile player, I think it would benefit him and the team if he could pin down one position. Reminds me of the ever-changing career progression of a certain Phil Jagielka, looked dodgy in midfield, switched to right back and was brilliant until a couple of players tore him apart, couple of games at CB, back to midfield, player of the division there in a promotion season and ends up centre back for his country. Not saying Bash will follow that path but it goes to show that players sometimes need to settle in one position before showing their best.

 

[Woodwardfan]

It is indeed encouraging and perhaps egg on face for some come season end when he TOPS the chart?

How is it put in horse racing.......coming up on the rails with a late run...........

UTB

"Egg on face"? Make mine a three egg omelette!

He might get the award if he returns to the back 4. Too far behind on midfield ratings alone.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

"Egg on face"? Make mine a three egg omelette!

He might get the award if he returns to the back 4. Too far behind on midfield ratings alone.

I like your stickability with the CH call.

Do you not think this "new" midfield 3 of Bash/Coutts/Doyle appears to be the new Clough blueprint for the majority of the away games and perhaps sometimes at home. Considering Kennedy's form (good to see) and if his knee holds up, Bash may only see CH a couple of times just to give TK a rest.

UTB

 

[IOM Blade]

Did anyone notice the studs up challenge (similar to the one he was sent off for) around the centre circle which went unnoticed as the ref had pulled up for a free kick moments earlier ?

He did the same in the build up to the 3rd goal at Brizzle. Got the ball clean, but some refs may not have liked it.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I like your stickability with the CH call.

Do you not think this "new" midfield 3 of Bash/Coutts/Doyle appears to be the new Clough blueprint for the majority of the away games and perhaps sometimes at home. Considering Kennedy's form (good to see) and if his knee holds up, Bash may only see CH a couple of times just to give TK a rest.

UTB

Quite possibly in a 4-5-1 formation. I think it lacks guile and craft but this is league 1. I think Coutts is a deep midfield player who keeps things ticking along. With him there Doyle can press higher upfield and Basham can go box to box, as he does.

I actually think Basham lacks positional discipline in midfield but with the other two there things should be OK. To keep getting into the opposition box Basham needs a big heart as situations often go wrong, but if he keeps getting there then things will inevitably start to happen for him. Everybody, including Clough and me, like triers. He's a better centre half though and plays there with an assurance he lacks in midfield.

In a 4-4-2 the Basham/ Doyle duo looks short of craft and skill to me. The Coutts/ Basham duo could work if Basham can play with discipline. We should remember Basham is not a seasoned midfielder.

I'm a big Kennedy fan and have no idea whether his knees forbid him playing twice a week. I hope not because I think McEveley is the weak link back there. Kennedy/Basham are plenty good enough for this league and the play-offs. Who plays there is so important because I don't think either of our full backs are 100% sound defensively.

The team should settle down at long. long last and needs to be well settled for the play-offs. Personally I've not given up on C.O'G and that could mean 4-4-2.

 

[finlaytheblade]

You know I don't agree and he was once again last night very solid (as well as Doyle and Coutts)

He has license to get forward and is as he has been all season - a great box to box player. He was actually caught offside once last night as he was the furthest forward - that is what you want of midfield players who have the ABILITY to get past the LONE forward.

For me he has been consistent all season and is not doing anything different to when the season started. We just have better and more settled players around him with the "squad" being able or knowing what each of them can do - it is as a number have said "just let the squad and the team develop" - which it still is.

As for Central defence - sorry, he won't be anything but a stand in - same as Mceverley - once again last night we were weak at balls into the box and Basham doesn't solve that problem either. Good at stand in CH, can't ever be allowed to be permanent.

Kennedy was magnificent last night - my MOM ,but again both he and Mceverley were weak at balls into the box - still a problem for us but we got away with it except for their goal - ball into box!

Bash is still a great competitor thought.

UTB

brayford was slow coming out thats why we conceded that goal but i take your point we could do with a maquire type centre half still missing him!.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

brayford was slow coming out thats why we conceded that goal but i take your point we could do with a maquire type centre half still missing him!.

It was Brayford - not sure if they tried to isolate Brayford, but the kid who crossed it did very well - tricked 2 of our players (Coutts and Harris I think) then whipped in a super quick ball to the far post. Whilst Brayford at the time was slow, the speed of thought of the winger was just too good, so prepared to give the beard the definite of doubt with it.

At least it didn't affect the result - and to be fair neither goalie was troubled too much on the night.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

It is indeed encouraging and perhaps egg on face for some come season end when he TOPS the chart?

How is it put in horse racing.......coming up on the rails with a late run...........

UTB

6.8 yesterday. worst rated player! Horse rating terms? I'll not go there!

Doyle/ Basham/ Coutts (top rated) combination = nowhere near enough guile and creativity.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

6.8 yesterday. worst rated player! Horse rating terms? I'll not go there!

Doyle/ Basham/ Coutts (top rated) combination = nowhere near enough guile and creativity.

I really don't know what it is with you.

Stop pulling my posts with Basham. I really don't know why you HAVE to prove a point - you really don't have to.

All I have done is try and protect Basham from some of the idiots that have castigated the lad from minute 1 - in the same way the Coutts is also coming under pressure from certain quarters. I also don't give a FUCK where he plays, but I see what our manager sees in him.

I hope once and for all, this puts the issue to.

If you pull any more I will just ignore them.

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

All Bash needs is a goal. Doesn't matter if it comes off his arse, his knee or his cock. He needs a goal.

He is not making the runs in a timely manner and that's why he is either too late or too early to the ball and fluffs the opportunity. Once he gets one I expect that anxiety will dissipate and he may get 4-5 more before the end of the season.

Certainly best position is at CB where he reads the game very well. You get a lot more time in that position and the match is generally played out in front of you, as opposed to all around you - so it's simpler to read the game.

Good player, steady player, good engine, never stops. Can be thrown up top for a plan B if needed but only effective if in partnership with another forward.

He needs a goal, is all.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I really don't know what it is with you.

Stop pulling my posts with Basham. I really don't know why you HAVE to prove a point - you really don't have to.

All I have done is try and protect Basham from some of the idiots that have castigated the lad from minute 1 - in the same way the Coutts is also coming under pressure from certain quarters. I also don't give a FUCK where he plays, but I see what our manager sees in him.

I hope once and for all, this puts the issue to.

If you pull any more I will just ignore them.

UTB

Fulwood. Bad day at the office. You come across loud and clear. Again intended as discussion, not intended to be provocative. I sent you one a few days ago saying Basham scored well. Message understood though.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I really don't know what it is with you.

Stop pulling my posts with Basham. I really don't know why you HAVE to prove a point - you really don't have to.

All I have done is try and protect Basham from some of the idiots that have castigated the lad from minute 1 - in the same way the Coutts is also coming under pressure from certain quarters. I also don't give a FUCK where he plays, but I see what our manager sees in him.

I hope once and for all, this puts the issue to.

If you pull any more I will just ignore them.

UTB

A further comment about your reaction which has surprised me. We were in a 2-way debate on this subject only last Thursday when you asked my views FGS., it's only Sunday now!

 

[Woodwardfan]

Back in defence - third best player in the ratings last night. I scored him 9.