As Charlotte further builds towards their MLS entry in 2021, the club has appointed longtime Premier League scout Steve Walsh as special advisor.
At the expansion club, Walsh will consult on management and recruitment as they assemble their squad. He’ll help the team identify talent and serve on the technical board for transfers and head coach recruitment.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Steve Walsh on board at Charlotte MLS,” said sporting director Zoran Krneta in a statement. “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.”
Walsh, who previously earned the English FA’s Award for Excellence in Talent Identification, was crucial in assembling Leicester City’s squad that won the 2015-16 Premier League title. He’s also held senior scouting roles with Chelsea, Newcastle and Hull City, plus served 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.”
Charlotte don’t yet have a head coach or rostered player, though have been busy assembling their sporting staff. In addition to Krneta and Walsh, they’ve landed Thomas Schaling as the club’s director of scouting and former Seattle Sounders director of player development Marc Nicholls as technical director.
“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."
