Remembering Steve Hopcroft: The West Brom talents that shaped his legacy, including Morgan Rogers
The world of West Midlands football has been left saddened by the news that former West Brom head of academy recruitment Steve Hopcroft has passed away.
Hopcroft had been bravely battling cancer, with West Brom paying tribute to him following his passing.
The Baggies have noted via their club site that he was "renowned for his ability to identify young talent across the West Midlands" and for much of his career, had done so in West Bromwich.
Hopcroft spent 15 years working for the B71 outfit, where he brought through a plethora of talent from 2005 to 2020, helping shape many generations of West Bromwich Albion.
After that spell, he did not move too far, taking his recruiting talents over to Aston Villa.
And as we look back fondly on Hopcroft's time for the Albion, here are some of the most high-profile talents he helped guide through.
Why Steve Hopcroft's legacy will never be forgotten
There will not be many people in football who can have contributed to the level of talent that Hopcroft has.
During his time in B71, he has helped push through multiple international football players, and many that have gone on to win big trophies.
One of the most notable is of course Morgan Rogers. The now Aston Villa star was picked up by the Baggies in 2009 at just the age of seven.
He spent nine years developing his football in B71 before making the switch to Manchester City.
Rogers would later reunited with Hopcroft in 2024, with the former West Brom employee working at Aston Villa at the time.
Rogers has gone on to be an England regular, a PFA Young Player of the Year winner, and a Europa League champion.
Rogers is now in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup as England look to go all the way.
And it the Three Lions bring the trophy home, Hopcroft should deservedly be recognised for his impact on one of England's biggest talents.
Who else did Hopcroft help bring through at West Brom
Hopcroft's influence is far from stopping at just Rogers.
His fingerprints were all over moves to bring now-Everton star Tim Iroegbunam to West Brom in 2009 as well.
The Englishman has had a steady Premier League career so far with the Toffees, making 59 total appearances in the top flight.
Baggies supporters will also fondly remember striker Saido Berahino, who became a quick hit at the Hawthorns,
After progressing through the academy during Hopcroft's time, the Burundi international netted 14 goals in just his second top-flight season.
Irish internationals Dara O'Shea and Finn Azaz were also products of Hopcroft's tenure in the Baggies' academy.
Between the pair, they have a combined 59 appearances for their country.
Overall, Hopcroft's work during his career was certainly impactful, and a man who had such a keen eye for talent will be sorely missed in the footballing space.