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 former academy talent spotter Steve Hopcroft, who has died following a brave battle with cancer.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Hopcroft, known as Hoppy, joined Albion from Blues in 2004 and spent more than 15 years shaping the club’s academy recruitment.

He earned a reputation for finding prospects across the Midlands, including Morgan Rogers, Lamare Bogarde, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz. Many began at Albion before later joining Villa.

He helped launch Saido Berahino’s career, the striker scoring 36 in 121 Premier League appearances for the Baggies and hitting 20 in 2014/15. Berahino, now 32, is coaching with Burundi after retiring.

Hopcroft turned down Manchester United in 2016 to remain at The Hawthorns, then followed academy chief Mark Harrison to Villa in April 2020 as head of player talent ID.

Harrison led the tributes, sending condolences to Hopcroft’s family and calling him a trusted colleague of more than 20 years and one of the best in his field. He credited him with developing many players, naming Bradley Burrowes, George Hemmings, Omari Kellyman, Louie Barry and Josh Feeney.

Albion said he was renowned for identifying West Midlands talent and leaves a legacy of players who might not have found the professional game without him. The club added that their thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com