Steve Walsh (scout)

Not to be confused with Steve Walsh (footballer).

Steve Walsh is an English football scout and assistant manager of Leicester City.

Early life

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 and Porto. Their cousin Michael played for the Gaelic football club Mayo GAA.

Career

Walsh did his coaching badges in the 1970s and worked as a physical education teacher at Bishop Rawtorne High School, Croston, Lancashire, in tandem with scouting for, in order, Bury, Chester City and Chelsea. While at Chelsea, he scouted Gianfranco Zola and Didier Drogba, both of whom went on to have successful careers at the club. 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, and their contribution to the club's success in the 2015/16 season ostensibly led Arsenal to express an interest for his services. He had a £1 million release clause written into his contract. On 8 May 2016, a few days after the club secured their maiden Premier League title, both Walsh and assistant manage Craig Shakespeare agreed to extend their contracts with Leicester City.

External links

• Profile at Leicester City F.C.