By the time Walsh joined City in March 1994, he already enjoyed huge success during spells with Liverpool and Tottenham as well as representing the Three Lions.
But when he was recruited from Portsmouth by the then City boss Brian Horton, many wondered if at, 32, Walsh’s best days were behind him.
Instead, he proved an inspired signing.
A tally of 19 goals from 63 appearances only scratches at the surface of Walsh’s impact with the striker becoming a firm favourite amongst the City fans thanks to his tenacious skill, tireless work rate and commitment to the cause.
There were highlights aplenty – not least a stunning 5-2 home win over a star-studded Spurs, where Walsh claimed a brilliant brace, as well as a remarkable 3-2 victory away at 1994/95 champions Blackburn Rovers with the striker also on target at Ewood Park.
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And, as he reflected back on his time at the Club, Walsh – now a respected member of Sky’s Saturday Soccer reporting team - revealed the warmth felt towards him by the City fans is more than mutual.
“I can’t properly express how much I loved playing for the Club for those 18/20 months. It was just a fantastic period in my career,” Walsh declared.
“My whole stay at City was a massive bonus as far as I was concerned and for me a massive achievement.
“I think I’ve said on the record many times that when I joined City, I don’t think I was many of the fans’ favourite choice.
“So, I felt that pressure a little bit plus I was 32 so everyone thought I was too old, all washed up and all the rest of it!
“So, to go the Club and to be able to make an impact is something that I am massively proud of that.
“I didn’t expect it, but it happened, and I grabbed it with both hands, and I’d like to think I did make a difference in the period when I was there.”
Walsh reveals he also had another cause for concern upon arriving at City – his previous poor record when playing at Maine Road for opposition clubs.
But once established at City, Walsh credits the attacking philosophy of Horton for helping ensure his time at the Club was a memorable and professionally fulfilling one.
“When I came to City, I had never played well at Maine Road for the opposition. It wasn’t a ground I had great memories of,” Walsh admitted.
“City’s pitch was heavy at times. To get around on that wasn’t easy and the first few games after I joined were difficult.
“We played Sheffield United and Wimbledon I think, and they were horrendous games and we drew one and lost one.
“You could sense there was also that anxiety amongst the fans about the signings that were made.
“No-one knew Uwe, people knew me but assumed I was too old, so Uwe was trying to prove himself and I was trying to show I wasn’t too old.
“And, credit to Brian, he wanted us to play attacking football with wingers and crosses flying in.
“I wasn’t the tallest but I was half decent in the air and we had Quinny (Niall Quinn) and we had Uwe and a couple of young whipper snappers in midfielder in Lomy (Steve Lomas) and Gary (Flitcroft), who were keen as anything and could get up and down the pitch and it was great.
“Uwe and I had a fantastic relationship both on and off the pitch and I’m still big mates with Uwe to this day.
“As I say, looking back to being at City it was a really special time for me.”
