Steve Walsh

Lore & Background

Walsh was born in Chorley, Lancashire to Irish parents. His brother Mickey played as a forward for the Republic of Ireland and clubs including Blackpool, Everton and Porto. Their cousin Michael played Gaelic football for Mayo. Walsh did his coaching badges in the 1970s and worked as a physical education teacher at Bishop Rawstorne High School while scouting for, in order, Bury, Chester City and Chelsea. While at Chelsea, he scouted Gianfranco Zola and Didier Drogba. In 2006, he left for the chief scout role at Newcastle United, where he met Nigel Pearson. He followed Pearson to Leicester City in 2008 and Hull City two years later, and then accompanied him on his return to Leicester, whereby he was made assistant manager. After Pearson was sacked in 2015, the club's board retained all of his staff, including Walsh. Walsh scouted obscure players such as Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kanté for Leicester. He had a £1 million release clause written into his contract. On 8 May 2016, both Walsh and assistant manager Craig Shakespeare agreed to extend their contracts with Leicester City. On 21 July 2016, he joined Everton as Director of Football. In November 2017, Walsh's job was reported as under pressure. On 16 May 2018, Walsh was relieved of his duties, being replaced by Marcel Brands. In March 2020, Walsh was named Special Advisor at Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

In Their Own Story

Walsh's time at Filbert Street spanned 14 years until Peter Taylor let him leave in 2000. His career included stints with Wigan, Norwich City, Coventry City, and non-league Tamworth. He made his last European appearance in a 2–1 UEFA Cup defeat to Atlético Madrid in 1997. Fans nicknamed him 'Captain Fantastic'. After leaving Leicester, he coached junior football schools and ran a golf course in Spain before returning to the club's orbit as a columnist for the Leicester Mercury and co-founding an events company with Neil Back.

Reader's Guide

The source does not mention Walsh winning any League Cups. It only states he was credited with bringing key players to Leicester to help them win the Premier League in 2016.

Did You Know?

• Walsh scouted Gianfranco Zola and Didier Drogba while at Chelsea.
• He recommended Andy Robertson, Harry Maguire, and Erling Haaland to Everton, but the club rejected them.
• Walsh's brother Mickey played as a forward for the Republic of Ireland and clubs including Blackpool, Everton and Porto.