Topic: Paul Walsh

Paul Anthony Walsh (born 1 October 1962 in Plumstead, London) was a diminutive and pacy centre forward who shot to fame in the 1980s after joining Liverpool.

Walsh began his career at Charlton where he quickly established himself in the team, he made his debut as a 16 year-old substitute in a Second Division fixture with Shrewsbury Town during the 1979–80 season and went on to appear in nine league games as Charlton failed to hold to their Second Division status. Walsh was given a chance in Division Three and struck up a brilliant front line with Addicks great Derek Hales. Walsh notably scored a hat-trick against Brentford, Charlton won the League Cup tie 5–0. Charlton went on to gain promotion as well as reach the 5th round of the FA Cup. Walsh enjoyed himself in the higher division bagging a respectable 13 goals as the Addicks finished mid table.

Still only a 19 year-old and after just 87 league appearances Luton signed Walsh for £400,000 on 26 July 1982. Luton had just gained promotion to English football's top flight and were hoping that Walsh's ability to make something out of nothing would help them stay there. Luton struggled to contain the quality of the First Division attacks but they managed to survive the drop by winning their final game of the season against Manchester City at Maine Road. His impish, natural predatory instincts around the penalty area earned him the first of five caps for England and in 1983, Bobby Robson gave Walsh his debut on 12 June in a friendly with Australia at Sydney, the first of the three match tour ended in a 0–0 draw, Walsh scored his only goal for his country in the following match against the Aussies, the match was played in Brisbane on 16 June and Walsh's goal was the only goal of the game. Walsh's performances and ability were recognised by his fellow professionals as he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 1984.