Captain Courageous

He was voted as the BBC all-time cult hero of Leicester City, yet had more than his fair share of adversity on the field to overcome. So Let’s Go! Caught up with Steve Walsh to hear how he’s hoping to share his experience with the Special Olympics athletes of 2009…

“There is a lot to be said for putting your mind, heart and soul in to something, even if it seems, in all probability to be impossible.”

The above quote could almost be a synopsis of Steve’s career in football. With an injury list that would have meant at early retirement for most people and twenty- five operations, the giant central defender suffered endless battles to stay in the game he loved.

“I found that each challenge I was presented with seemed to inspire me to work harder. There was noting that could have prevented me from playing football so I can appreciate just how important sport must be for each of the Special Olympics athletes.”

With the games being held in his adopted home of Leicester, Walsh was one of the first sporting celebrities to sign up as an ambassador. Since then he has been almost ever-present at the roadshow tours, helping to spread the message and bring publicity to something he believes in.

“I’m delighted to be able to play my part, however small. The games are sure to be a great success for the city, but more importantly for the athletes. They are the stars.”

Today, Steve keeps himself active by running a soccer academy with his former teammate, Muzzy lzzet, as well as writing a weekly column in the Leicester Mercury and on occasion hosts matchday entertainment at the Walkers Stadium.

“Once my career was over I realised that I didn’t want to be too far away from the game. I’m just pleased to be involved in football and glad to be able to give something back to the sport that gave me so much.”

For more information on Steve please visit www.legendsuk.com.

Factfile
Name: Steve Walsh
Age: 44
Birthplace: Preston

Former Clubs: Wigan Athletic, Leicester City, Norwich City, Coventry City and Tamworth

Interesting fact about yourself:
“My colleagues Muzzy Izzet is a patron of Wishes4Kids and we are working to raise money and profile for them, as well as the support we are offering to Special Olympics 2009.”

Career highpoint: “Scoring two goals for Leicester against Derby in the 1994 Play –off final, which was our first win at Wembley in the club’s history.”

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