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 Special Olympics Leicester 2009. 

What would you say is the best and most important attribute for a centre-back to have?
Sam Platt, via e-mail 
Organisational skills are absolutely essential and once you’ve mastered this everything else follows.

A centre-back sees all of the pitch and from that position they can communicate with everyone ensuring that the team retains its shape and positional sense.

If you are organised it can help you to combat any of the attributes which a striker may use to beat you such as pace, power or ability on the ball.

I will always remember what Larry Lloyd used to say to me at Wigan as I went on to the pitch, “Steve, head and kick the ball as far as you can!”

So if you haven’t got the organisational skills then listen to Larry and you won’t go far wrong!


"Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Portuguese winker!"

My team always seems to get beat by a long ball over the top. How as a defence can we stop this?
James Maw, via e-mail 
I think that players nowadays are fixated on the impact of pace. It isn’t quite as important as you may believe though.

No defence should be beaten by a long ball as there should be a method of preparation put in place to prevent its impact.

If you are playing four at the back, as the ball is launched one of the centre-backs will move forward to mark the targeted striker and the other should read this and immediately retreat towards their own goal.

In training I would focus on reading certain situations in order to improve your response to a dangerous attack.

This will allow you to react that split second faster because you can recognise what is going to happen, before it has occurred.


"Chew on this Viduka!"

I'm captain of my team, but I find it hard to talk to my team. It sounds like I'm moaning all the time. Any tips on how to communicate?
Richard Bright, via e-mail
There is one rule to remember here. You must, at all times, treat every player differently. At Leicester, we had players who needed an arm around them and if they were ever shouted at then they would go in to their shell.

If people think that you are moaning then try to balance what you are saying. It is, in most cases, more effective to encourage than to tear in to someone.

Try praising a player alongside highlighting what they have done wrong. This may soften the blow and will show that you aren’t simply being negative.

If all else fails, get in to a huddle just before the game starts and hope that you can all shout your way to victory.
 

"Cor blimey Becks you need to put some deodrant on!"