From Newcastle United to McDonald's to the Premier League with Sheffield United: Boyhood Sunderland fan Chris Basham on rejection and bouncing back

Boyhood-Sunderland fan Chris Basham will come up against the side that rejected him at the age of 16 tonight when Newcastle United face his Sheffield United side.
Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Chris Basham of Sheffield United.Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Chris Basham of Sheffield United.
Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Chris Basham of Sheffield United.

Sheffield United’s longest-serving player has played a pivotal role in the Blades’ captivating run of results, which has seen them without a defeat at Bramall Lane since September.

It could have all been so different though, at the age of 16 he was not offered scholarship terms by Newcastle and ended up working in McDonald’s before working his way back into football and up the league pyramid.

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Ahead of tonight’s game, Basham told Sky Sports: “Obviously you want to prove it to them in a good way because this is a kid they released.

"It's hard when you're 16, you get released and your dad is reading a letter saying: 'you're done at Newcastle now son'. It was tough to take.

"It did hurt back in the day when I got released because it is a bit embarrassing in front of friends.

"I thought I could get a contract. I was one of those young lads that were full of energy, but a bit smaller and not as developed as the other boys. I probably needed a bit more time so that's why I think it didn't happen.

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"I went to McDonald's and worked there but it is all about an experience. To go from serving fast food, it's a big turn around and a dream come true playing in the Premier League.

"It's been a long road back to the Premier League and I couldn't be any happier at Sheffield United."

Ahead of tonight’s game, we explore some surprising facts about the Sheffield United skipper.

Basham considers Alan Cork as a great influence

The 31-year-old is indebted to Alan - father of Burnley’s Jack Cork - for guiding him throughout his professional football career.

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Alan, starred in Wimbledon’s famous FA Cup triumph over Liverpool in 1988 and holds the record as the only player to have scored in all four divisions of the pre-1992 Football League and also the Premier League.

Grew up supporting Sunderland

Basham is a boyhood Sunderland fan and his dad is a season ticket holder at the Stadium of Light

He sat in the home end to witness a 2-1 victory for Sheffield, captained by his son, against the Black Cats in September 2017.

Former Sunderland manager helped revive Basham’s career:

After being dropped by Newcastle United at 16. Basham was soon picked up by Sam Allardyce’s Bolton.

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Alladyce had Basham training with the first team in two weeks, starting only four games for the under 23’s.

During his four seasons at Bolton, Basham went on to make 21 appearances for Bolton claiming one goal and one assist.

He almost played Sunday League football:

After his release by Newcastle, the defender started working under the golden arches of McDonalds.

From playing alongside Andy Carroll to flipping burgers in a matter of weeks.

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Basham also admitted he was on the verge of playing Sunday League Football before bouncing back.

Topping the charts:

Basham has the most headed clearances in the Premier League this season with 42, level with teammate John Egan.

Basham also features in top 20 for most tackles in the Premier League this season, 16th with 33 tackles.

Basham has proved crucial to the Blades’ Premier League campaign five years after signing in 2014.