For those who remember the confident figure who holds the rare distinction of being named the greatest manager in the history of two different clubs, news of Dave Bassett’s private struggle with anxiety may come as a surprise. The Sheffield United legend, now aged 81, also reached legendary status during his famous spell with Wimbledon.
However, almost 36 years have passed since Bassett’s greatest achievement at Bramall Lane, when he guided United into the First Division on that memorable day at Leicester City. In more recent years, he has faced several health challenges. Treatment for prostate cancer was successful but left him with ongoing bladder problems that require management.
Damage to his bowel caused by radiation therapy is another lasting effect, while a less visible consequence has affected his mental wellbeing. “You do develop a bit of anxiety as you get older,” the managerial great admitted.
“It happens to many people as the years go by. You’re not as confident or as energetic as you once were. Sometimes I forget I’m 81 and still think I’m 45 and capable of doing the same things.
“I don’t quite understand it when I go for a walk and end up going further than I should, then come home exhausted and just want to sit down and not move. The anxiety now is more about making decisions, which my wife doesn’t really understand. I’m not the man she married anymore and suddenly you feel a little changed.
“The whole online technology situation drives me mad. You can’t phone anyone, you can’t speak to anyone directly, and you become dependent. I’ve never liked being dependent. I was always independent. Even when I played amateur football, I ran my own insurance business and a building firm as well.
“That life never troubled me, but unfortunately this came back. My mother suffered later in life with nerves and lupus and similar issues. Still, I’m okay and I can get around. I go to a few matches, but my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, especially when it comes to seeing numbers and following the sharpness of the game.
“You have to stay on top of things and I’ve always liked being in control. A lot of the Wimbledon players still have great respect for me because they grew up with me in football. I encouraged them to buy houses and plan for the future, and many of them have done very well. And the Sheffield United lads think highly of me too.”
Bassett was speaking to former journalist Neil Ashton on the Sacked! podcast, where he also reflected on other moments from his long career, including memorable spells with Watford and Crystal Palace alongside his time at United and Wimbledon.
Yet it was his reflections on mental health that stood out most, especially given the image many had of Bassett as a tough, outspoken Cockney who seemed immune to such struggles. He sought support through the League Managers’ Association and began working with a sports psychologist.
“He’s helped me a lot,” Bassett said. “Some of it is simply down to getting older, and it’s quite normal for people to lose a bit of confidence along the way.
“He feels I’ve got things in perspective now and that I’m coping reasonably well. Sometimes he’s more optimistic than I am, because I still want to be how I used to be. But I know you can’t and you have to accept that.
“There are days when I feel good and enjoy life, and other days when I worry. I worry about my daughters and about my wife. But she’s been wonderful, supporting me and looking after me. So I just have to keep going.
“I can still go out, I’m not stuck indoors. I make sure I meet people. I can’t play as much golf as I’d like and I’ve had to accept that. I think part of my problem is that I don’t really have many hobbies.
“I was never much of a reader because I’m dyslexic. I can read the newspaper, but some of it doesn’t always make sense. I felt I needed a bit of help. I wasn’t being kind to myself.
“I kept thinking about all the things I should have done. The psychiatrist told me: ‘I looked you up on Wikipedia and you haven’t done too badly. You won promotions and managed over a thousand games. All you’ve told me is what you should have done.’
“He said that was a big mistake, that I wasn’t showing myself any compassion and was being too hard on myself. Friends also told me: ‘You’ve done well considering where you started from.’
“To have the career I had and enjoy so many great moments was special. Wimbledon was fantastic and at Sheffield United the atmosphere was one where everyone enjoyed coming to work. It was fun, everyone pulled together and there was real team spirit.
“We had that spirit at both clubs and we weren’t afraid of anyone. Whoever we played, we went in with confidence. We beat Liverpool, we beat Manchester United, and we gave chances to players who had been written off.”
As views around mental health continue to evolve, more people are speaking openly about their struggles. For older generations, however, it can still be a difficult subject, which makes Bassett’s honesty even more powerful.
“It was easy to ask for help,” he said in his typically direct manner. “I thought: ‘Let’s see what he has to say and whether he can help me.’ That’s his job.
“We all go through things in life, but I never thought I would experience this. Then suddenly things start creeping up on you and you don’t know where your thoughts will go. The mind is a very powerful thing, and it’s determined to overcome.”
