Mickey Walsh hopeful of returning as guest of honour for Blackpool's rearranged game against Sunderland

The 65-year-old was due to be the guest of honour during today’s game against the Black Cats, the side he scored that memorable goal against in 1975 which was later voted Match of the Day’s goal of the season.

But the fixture was one of three to be postponed following the announcement that all professional games in England are to be suspended in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to The Gazette, Walsh confirms he’s already held talks with the club about returning for the rearranged date.

He said: “Obviously the decision to postpone the game was taken from those above, so it was taken out of my hands.

“It’s unfortunate but I completely understand that peoples’ health is far more important.

“I can only wish the club all the best for the future and the same goes for all of the supporters.

“I must thank the club for inviting me to attend the game as the guest of honour but hopefully I can still fulfil those obligations.

“I have already spoken to Martin Booker (Business Development Manager) at the club about coming back for the game when it’s rearranged, so fingers crossed I’m able to do that.”

Walsh’s appearance would have been his first appearance at Bloomfield Road in over 30 yards, the former striker revealed.

Now living in Portugal, Walsh is fighting fit after almost losing his life two years ago after suffering a stroke while holidaying in Brazil.

“From not really being here, I’ve come a long way,” Walsh told The Gazette.

“I feel fantastic now compared to how it could have been. I’m walking unaided, I’ve been doing physio, but I’m living a normal life.

“I’m very, very fortunate to have had my wife there at a crucial time. She virtually saved my life. I could have quite easily have died.

“We were on the Copacabana beach at the time. If you’re going to do it, do it properly…

“I felt unwell in the lobby of the hotel and she came down and saw me and diagnosed it straight away really.

“We went to the reception and we were in the hospital within eight minutes and that saved my life.

“I was in intensive care for a week and then another two weeks in hospital in Brazil and then I was repatriated back to Britain.

“I stayed there for about four months before being allowed to travel back to Portugal and resume a normal life.

“It was tough psychologically and mentally, but I’m used to stuff like that coming back from injuries during my football career.

“But I’m on the mend now.”

Walsh, who is held in the highest regard by Blackpool fans, began his professional career with the Seasiders, making the move to the Fylde coast from his hometown of Chorley.

He made his Blackpool debut in 1973 in a goalless draw at Fulham, before going on to score 76 goals in 194 appearances during his five years at the club.

Walsh left Blackpool in 1978 to join Everton for a fee of £375,000, a record fee for the Seasiders at the time.

He had a spell with Cape Town City before going on to play for QPR, Porto and fellow Portuguese clubs Salgueiros and Espinho.