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One of Leicester City's best loved players and a fearless competitor who led by example, 'Walshy' was a key component at the heart of an influential City defence during the club's golden years of the 1990’s. A genuine hard man who never shirked a challenge and relished one-on-one battles with some of the country's toughest strikers, Steve Walsh gave excellent service to the Foxes. Probably the first name on the teamsheet during the Brian Little and Martin O'Neill eras at Filbert Street, Walsh's influence on the club during his 14-year stay should not be underestimated. Made club captain by Little in 1992, the extra responsibility brought even more out of Steve, as his commitment, consistency and competitive nature helped lay the foundations for a decade of success as the club began to establish themselves in the Premier League. Not just content with keeping the opposition at bay, Walsh had an impressive goalscoring record for a centre-back and was occasionally deployed as a make-shift striker. He possessed the happy knack of notching crucial, match-winning goals and the Foxes faithful will always remember his play-off final clinching efforts against local rivals Derby County in 1994. Other highlights of his City career include lifting the 1997 League Cup, after a thrilling replay victory over Middlesbrough in the final and guiding the club to their highest ever Premiership finish of 8th in the 1999/2000 campaign. Steve started his professional career at Wigan Athletic in 1982 and established himself as one of the toughest defenders in the lower leagues. His move to the East Midlands came four years later when manager Bryan Hamilton brought him to Leicester in a £100,000 deal. The signing proved to be one of best pieces of business carried out by any City manager as Walsh went on become a cult hero and one of the club's greatest ever servants. After leaving the Foxes in 2000, Walshy had short spells with Norwich, Coventry and non-league Tamworth before hanging up his boots. Since then he has set up his own business with Muzzy Izzet coaching young footballers at his soccer academy. As well as writing a regular column for the Leicester Mercury about the Foxes, Steve is a regular visitor to the Walkers Stadium on match days and runs a successful events and memorabilia company. |
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