Ian Walsh (footballer)

Ian Walsh

Personal information
Full name	Ian Patrick Walsh
Position(s)	Forward

Ian Patrick Walsh (born 4 September, 1958 in St David's) is a former Wales international footballer.

Club career

Walsh began his career at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1977, before forcing his way into the first team, making his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Chester City on 4 September, 1976 at the age of 18, where he was a key member of the side that won the Division Two title in the 1978–79 season. After playing over 100 times for the side, he joined Swansea City in February 1982, spending two years at the Vetch Field before leaving following the sides relegation in 1984.

He spent two years at Barnlsey, scoring fifteen times, before leaving for Grimsby Town where he won promotion in his first season. His second year at the Grimsby was hampered by a number of minor injuries and he was allowed to leave midway through the season to sign for Cardiff City. The majority of his appearances at Ninian Park came as a substitute and he was forced into retirement in 1989.

International career

Walsh made a goalscoring debut for Wales in September 1979 during a 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland, becoming a regular for the side of the following four years before making his final appearance on 2 June, 1982 in a 1-0 win over France.

After football

Walsh is currently a commentator and football pundit for BBC Wales.

He is also the uncle of Premiership footballer Simon Davies who plays for Fulham.

References

• Hayes, Dean (2006). The Who's Who of Cardiff City. Breedon Books. ISBN 1-8598-3462-0.