‘Hoppy’ spent more than 15 years working in Albion’s thriving academy before moving to Villa.
Albion and Villa have paid tribute to much-loved former academy talent spotter Steve Hopcroft after his death.
Hopcroft spent more than 15 years with the Baggies helping develop a thriving youth set-up before he switched to Villa.
He has died following a brave battle with cancer.
‘Hoppy’, as he was known in football, moved to The Hawthorns from Blues in 2004 and led the club’s academy recruitment until his departure for Villa in 2020.
He was renowned for discovering talented young footballers across the Midlands and further afield.
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England star Morgan Rogers, as well as talents such as Lamare Bogarde, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz are just some of the youngsters Hopcroft helped unearth. Many began their journeys at Albion and switched to Villa.
Albion graduate Cole Deeming also shared a tribute on social media, posting: “The one who believed in me from the very beginning, RIP Hoppy” alongside a picture of him signing a first contract as a schoolboy.
Hopcroft, who grew up near The Hawthorns, turned down a move to Manchester United in 2016 to remain with the Baggies but made the switch to Villa in April 2020 as head of player talent ID, following academy boss Mark Harrison, who took up a similar position at the helm of Villa’s youth set-up.
Leading the tributes, Harrison said: “Firstly, our thoughts and condolences go out to Steve’s family, especially his children Tom and Beth, his sister Sharron, his partner Kate and his stepchildren Max and Fin.
“Many of us who work within our academy have known Steve and worked with him for many years, so it is an incredibly sad moment.
“I worked with Steve for over 20 years, and he was not only a colleague but a good friend who I could always count on.
“Steve had vast experience and knowledge in his field and was widely respected as being one of the best in the business.
“He was instrumental in the recruitment and nurturing of countless players over his time in the role, there are far too many to mention, but most notably and relevant to the club are Morgan Rogers, Lamare Bogarde, Bradley Burrowes, George Hemmings, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Tim Iroegbunam, Omari Kellyman, Louie Barry, Finn Azaz and Josh Feeney.
“He will be sadly missed by us all and by many of the players who would not be where they are without Steve’s support.”
An Albion statement added: “Steve was renowned for his ability to identify young talent across the West Midlands – and leaves a legacy of countless players who without him may not have found their way in the professional game.
“The thoughts of all at The Hawthorns are with Steve’s family, friends and loved ones at this desperately sad time.”
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