An all time cult hero at Leicester City, Steve Walsh captained the Foxes to victory in the 1997 League Cup Final.
During a playing career spanning 21 years he also played for Wigan, Norwich and Coventry City. He now runs his own Soccer Academy with Muzzy Izzet called Future Foxes.

The former defender has also set up Legends UK an event and memorabilia company. On top of this he writes a weekly column for the Leicester Mercury. He is an ambassador of the Special Olympics Leicester 2009.

I’m a flair player, but everyone keeps telling me I should play it simple. Is it right to take risks or play simple?
Johannes Nathan Zakaria, via e-mail
It’s important to play it simple first of all. It’s all about taking risks in the right areas of the pitch and that’s the opposition’s half.

I’m a big believer in playing it simple first and bringing other players into the game. It can be frustrating to the rest of the team when flair players hold onto the ball for too long.

Teams can be more effective playing a simpler passing and pressing game. I’d say you need to get the basic skills right during the game, on a consistent basis, before you start taking too many risks in possession.


Robinho: Has a taste for risky business

How do you win headers without giving away free-kicks for using your arms? Referees always give free-kicks against me!
Darren Collins, via e-mail
Referees always seem to penalise defenders for using their arms, even when forwards are backing in and defenders are just standing their ground.

It’s difficult because you need to use your arms for leverage. You need to time your jump to match the flight of the ball.

Try to get your arms up early so they’re above the man you’re marking. One way of avoiding this is to try and judge the flight of the ball better and get in front of striker and jump for the ball ahead of him.

It’s important to not put your hands on the striker’s back, as if he falls forward, the refs will give a free-kick every time.


Serbian monster Nemanja Vidic ploughs through two FC Porto defenders

I want to put myself forward to become captain of my team. What sort of things should I do to impress on and off the field?
Wesley Swann, via e-mail 
It’s important to show that you’ve got the voice to stand out to the other players and to be able to organise the team.

You’ve got to be able to encourage players, even when they and the team are not playing well. You need to get the balance right and have a go at your team-mates at the right time and encourage at the right time.

You’re the manager’s voice on the pitch and you need to be able to listen to his instructions and take them on board. On and off the field you’ve got to lead by example.

You’ve got to concentrate on your game first though and make sure you are consistently playing well. Off the field, make sure you’re always on time for matches and lead by example during training sessions.
 

"Oi Carra! Quick chase Joey Barton that little scally just legged it with me fav trackie top!"