CHARLOTTE — Charlotte MLS has appointed Steve Walsh as Special Advisor, the club announced Friday.
Once described by Sir Alex Ferguson the “most influential person in the Premier League,” Walsh has forged a reputation as one of the most successful scouts in world soccer.
Walsh, a recipient of the English FA’s Award for Excellence in Talent Identification, is renowned for his work with Leicester City, where his scouting proved instrumental in their 2016 Premier League title run. Walsh has also held senior scouting roles with Chelsea, Newcastle and Hull, and acted as Director of Football at Everton.
“Steve’s depth and breadth of experience, and successful performance at the top level of our sport is widely known,” said Tom Glick, President of Tepper Sports & Entertainment. “Adding his advice, mentorship and wisdom to our operating team will help us build a winner for our fans, city and region.”
As a scout at Chelsea for 14 years, Walsh was part of a team that found game-changing stars including Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Gianfranco Zola. He also acted as Chief Scout at Newcastle and served as Assistant Manager and Head of Recruitment at Hull.
Walsh’s crowning achievement, however, came with Leicester, where he helped build sides that won League One, the Championship and the Premier League. In addition to discovering talent including Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, Walsh held an Assistant Manager role with the team.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Steve Walsh on board at Charlotte MLS,” said Charlotte MLS Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “Steve’s experience, knowledge of the game, and his exceptional ability to recognize emerging talent will be a significant advantage for us in helping to build a winning team for 2021.”
At Charlotte MLS, Walsh will consult on management and recruitment in his capacity as a Special Advisor to Krneta, Glick and owner David Tepper. Drawing on his expertise in building winning teams, Walsh will assist with identifying talent and serve on the technical board that will make decisions on transfers and head coach recruitment.
“I am very much looking forward to working with a team of like-minded professionals who are driven with the same purpose of making Charlotte MLS successful,” Walsh said. “It gives me the opportunity to be part of something special and I am truly excited for the challenge. Our aim is to give the soccer fans of Charlotte a team of which they can be truly proud.”
