Bolton Wanderers v Sheffield United: Blades must now take brickbats with bouquets, says Chris Basham

CHRIS BASHAM admits there has been a big shift in culture at Sheffield United under new manager Chris Wilder.
Sheffield United kick-off the news season at Bolton.Sheffield United kick-off the news season at Bolton.
Sheffield United kick-off the news season at Bolton.

The Blades head to Bolton Wanderers today with a 4,000-strong travelling army of fans hoping this can be their club’s season.

Following Nigel Adkins’s departure during the summer, Wilder was lured away from Northampton Town and quickly started to put his stamp on Bramall Lane. Basham feels the changes have been positive ones.

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“There was a big clear-out at the end of the season and that brought a freshness to the place,” said the Blades defender-cum-midfielder. “That and a new manager, who has been like a breath of fresh air.

“He is someone who is very aggressive. He is not scared to tell anyone in the dressing room that they are not pulling their weight.

“We need character at a club like this. The new manager is the perfect match for this club because he is a supporter. He won promotion last year and he brings that energy to our team.

“He brings honesty and he isn’t scared to tell you guys in the press if he doesn’t think someone is pulling their weight. He names names, which needs to happen more in football. It was something we needed. We play in front of big crowds and there is an expectation here.”

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United set the tone for a desperately disappointing 2015-16 on the opening day with a 4-0 loss at Gillingham.

Basham was in the side that chastening afternoon at the Priestfield and he admits to being desperate for the Blades to get back up.

“This is my third season at Sheffield United and all I want is success at this place,” he said. “I would love to get that on my CV.

“The new gaffer can make that happen. He has already shown he is not afraid to make big decisions such as when he named a few on the transfer list. He gives the plaudits as well and he said some good things about me. Hopefully, my name will go in the papers for the right reasons.”