Crossword Genius

With some footballers, speed is key (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backspace

'is key' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'with some footballers speed' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'some footballers' becomes 'backs' (back is a kind of footballer).
'speed' becomes 'pace' (pace is a kind of speed**).
'backs' next to 'pace' is 'BACKSPACE'.

(Another definition for backspace that I've seen is " key used to find character already in?".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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