Following a successful trial at the club, Chris Basham joined Bolton from Chester-le-Street in early 2006.

He had loan spells at Stafford Rangers and Rochdale during his time with Wanderers before making his debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win at Sunderland in November 2008.

He went on to make 21 appearances for the club, scoring once, before moving to Blackpool on the eve of the 2010/11 season.