Seasiders legend Walsh left partially-paralysed after stroke on holiday in Brazil

Mickey Walsh got his name on the scoresheet

Walsh, now 63, suffered what his family have described as a mild stroke on March 11 while on holiday in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The incident happened the day before he and his wife Christine were due to fly home.

The former Blackpool striker was left with paralysis in his left side but feelings have started to return since undergoing physiotherapy, his family confirmed.

Mickey Walsh has suffered a stroke on holiday in Brazil

He is expected to make a full recovery at home having left Brazil.

Walsh started his professional career with Blackpool in 1973 and went on to score 76 goals in 194 appearances in five years for the club.

He will be most fondly remembered for his goal against Sunderland in 1975, an effort that was voted Match Of The Day’s Goal of the Season.

John Cross, chairman of Blackpool Former Players’ Association, says he hopes Mickey can make a full recovery.

Mickey Walsh with gold plated boot in 1975.

back of photo reads; Mickey Walsh with the gold-plated boot presented to him by Bronshoe of Blackpool , with which he scored the BBC 1974-75 goal of the season. dated 17/09/77
gazette book — Mickey Walsh with gold plated boot in 1975. back of photo reads; Mickey Walsh with the gold-plated boot presented to him by Bronshoe of Blackpool , with which he scored the BBC 1974-75 goal of the season. dated 17/09/77 gazette book

He said: “Mickey will always be fondly remembered by all Blackpool fans, not least of all because of that amazing goal against Sunderland.

“He had a brilliant strike partnership with Bob Hatton, but we shouldn’t forget Derek Spence because they worked as a trio up front.

“Mickey flew over from Portugal to support the first ever charity football match we organised, which just goes to show the measure of the man.

“He didn’t need to do that, so for him to do that was amazing.I was very shocked when I heard the news but fingers crossed he can make a full recovery.”

Steve Rowland, speaking on behalf of Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, added: “We were shocked and saddened to hear that Mickey Walsh, a Bloomfield Road favourite, suffered a stroke while on holiday in Brazil.

“Mickey was a superb and versatile player in Blackpool’s front line in the 1970s. He scored at the rate of what seemed like a goal every other game for five years.

“Who (of the right age) could ever forget his winner against Sunderland in 1975? It was rightly voted the goal of the season.

“Or what about his hat-tricks against Southampton and Sheffield United?

“His goals certainly kept the Seasiders in the promotion chase from Division Two for a few years in the mid-70s and earned him a place in the Seasiders’ Hall of Fame.

“Naturally, our thoughts are with Mickey and his family. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”