Sheffield United: Bash reveals his respect for rival bosses

Chris Basham has described Nigel Adkins and Nigel Clough has the two most influential managers of his career ahead of tonight's meeting between Sheffield United and Burton Albion.
David Edgar and Chris Basham (left) in action for Sheffield UnitedDavid Edgar and Chris Basham (left) in action for Sheffield United
David Edgar and Chris Basham (left) in action for Sheffield United

Basham, the former Blackpool midfielder, made the claim during an impassioned defence of Adkins’ methods following criticism of United’s results since he replaced Clough at the helm in June.

These are probably two of the my most influential managers, definitely,” Basham said. “They’re both different people and different managers but they’ve both been really good for my career and taught me a lot. I’ve had the best times of my career under them as well. Nigel Clough really brought on the defensive side of my game and Nigel Adkins is just so thorough in terms of the analysis and detail he gives you.”

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United, who parted company with Clough after failing to gain promotion last season, are 10th in the League One table after being beaten by Rochdale three days ago. Leaders Albion have won seven of their 12 matches since reappointing Clough on December 7.

Basham, who was signed by Adkins’ predecessor, added: “Seeing what happens behind the scenes, I know the work the gaffer (Adkins) and his staff put in is going to bear fruit. He’s very different in what he does, we do looks of video work, coming-in on a Sunday and stuff like that.

“His staff are really good too, really knowledgeable people and it’s great to be able to pick things-up from them. The work they’ve done on this system is really good, they’ve worked so hard on it. When we cross that line, it’s up to us though.”

Basham was a member of the squad Clough guided into the semi-finals of both the Capital One Cup and League One play-offs last season. The 27-year-old, who has also represented Bolton Wanderers, acknowledged United must “bounce back” from their defeat at Spotland but argued the performance, described as “very good” by Adkins yesterday, provides encouragement going forward.

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“Obviously we really frustrated with the result at Rochdale but, as strange as it sounds, I was also really enthused because of the way we played. Honestly, if we carry that performance on then I think it could be the start of a good run. The type of run that we need.”

“We shot ourselves in the foot by conceding, yes, but there’s no doubt we could have been three or four up by then,” Basham added. “We’ve just got to sure we make pressure like that, which we had for about 70 minutes, really count. There’s still a good positive feeling behind the scenes. Yes, of course what happened at Rochdale was gutting in terms of the result but the performance, in my opinion, can stand us in good stead if we can keep it going.”