West Brom and Aston Villa pay tribute to much-loved academy talent spotter Steve Hopcroft | OneFootball

West Brom and Aston Villa have paid tribute to much-loved academy talent spotter Steve Hopcroft following his death from cancer. He was widely known as Hoppy.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Hopcroft spent more than 15 years with Albion building a thriving youth set-up before moving to Villa in 2020. He joined from Blues in 2004 and turned down Manchester United in 2016 to remain at The Hawthorns.

Renowned for unearthing prospects across the Midlands and beyond, he helped launch careers including Morgan Rogers, Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz, with several starting at Albion then switching to Villa. He also identified Lamare Bogarde and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.

Villa academy boss Mark Harrison, who worked with him for more than 20 years, described a trusted colleague and friend with vast knowledge who was among the best in his field. He said Hopcroft was instrumental in recruiting and nurturing countless players, and offered condolences to his family.

At Albion, Hopcroft oversaw the pathway of Saido Berahino, who scored 36 goals in 121 Premier League appearances for the Baggies, including a 20-goal campaign in 2014/15 after joining at under-12s. Former academy player Cole Deeming also posted a tribute, saying Hopcroft believed in him from the very beginning. Albion added that his eye for West Midlands talent leaves a lasting legacy across the professional game.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com