The foundational bedrock of Leicester City's stratospheric 2016 ascent was not laid within the sterile confines of a boardroom, but rather through the peerless, discerning eye of former LCFC co-assistant and scouting supremo, Steve Walsh. Not to mention Nigel Pearson's invaluable contributions before his abrupt exit in 2015.
To avoid any sacrilegious confusion with "Walshy", the Leicestershire club's infamous and beloved former captain before beginning, recognising Walsh (Snr, as he is affectionately known) as the silent visionary who truly deserved the keys to the city and a tenure secured at any cost is vital. The latter was the primary architect of a recruitment masterclass, the quintessential Englishman whose tireless advocacy compelled a succession of managers to gamble on the perceived fringes of the footballing world.
Without Walsh relentless conviction, the transformative trio of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté would never have graced the Filbert Way turf. Just think about that for a brief moment! Wow. A true scouting masterclass. Sir Alex Ferguson once labelled the recruitment chief the most influential man in the league.
Riyad Mahrez is a genuis, and N'Golo Kante plays in a three-man midfield: Claudio Ranieri learns of stars upon Leicester City arrival
The narrative of that miraculous era is anchored by a specific, arcane exchange during a preseason camp in the Austrian hills. When the fabled Claudio Ranieri, freshly appointed at City and inquisitive, sought to understand the tactical archetype of the slender Algerian winger at his disposal. Walsh offered a succinct, prophetic evaluation that bypassed technical or management jargon for a singular truth: "He’s a genius".
"I sat in this little stand with Claudio and did a running commentary of what each player was like to get his knowledge up very quickly. When it came to Riyad, he said: “What does he do?” I said: “He’s a genius."Steve Walsh (Snr) - The Guardian
It was a declaration that transcended mere scouting: identifying a spark of brilliance destined to ignite the global stage.
Walsh's psychological intuition was equally profound, if occasionally flawed.
"N’Golo and Riyad became very good friends but there was a bit of rivalry at training. I used to say to Riyad: “You’ll never get past Kanté.” He always gave me a wry smile if he did."
The former PE teacher famously informed Mahrez that he would never successfully bypass his tireless teammate, Kante, in training. Whenever the winger managed to successfully evade the Frenchman (who Walsh famously described as in a three-man midfield, on either side of Danny Drinkwater: as if existing in two places simultaneously), Mahrez would flash his coach a wry smile.
It was a silent, knowing nod to the supernatural, triumphant machinery Walsh had assembled. And the rest, well, it really is history now!
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