Dave Bassett

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David Thomas Bassett (born 4 September 1944 in Stanmore) is an English football manager and a former player. Bassett won a total of seven promotions and is one of a select number of managers who took charge of over 1,000 matches.^[2]

After a playing career at semi-professional level, Bassett took charge of Fourth Division Wimbledon in 1981, and led them to the First Division within five years; he resigned in 1987 after leading the Dons to 6th place in the top flight. Following a brief stint at Watford, he took over at Sheffield United, leading United to two consecutive promotions from 1988 to 1990. United remained in the top-flight until 1994, when they were relegated on the final day of the season. Bassett was sacked after a poor start to the 1994-95 season. Bassett next managed Crystal Palace, losing in the First Division play-off final in 1996.

In 1997, Bassett was appointed general manager and assistant to Stuart Pearce at Nottingham Forest. When Forest were relegated, Bassett took over as manager, leading the club back to the Premier League as Division One champions in 1998. Bassett was sacked in December 1998 with Forest in the relegation zone. Bassett became manager of Barnsley in May 1999, and led them to the play-off final, which they lost to Ipswich Town. His last role as permanent manager was at Leicester City F.C., which ended in the Foxes' relegation in 2002. Subsequently, Bassett had roles as caretaker manager at Leicester City and Southampton and served as assistant manager to Dennis Wise at Leeds United.