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Popular youth supremo Steve Hopcroft has left West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham Live can reveal.

Hopcroft has been Albion’s head of academy recruitment for a number of years and played a key role in the development of Saido Berahino, Jonathan Leko, Rekeem Harper and many more players who have made the grade.

Birmingham Live understands Hopcroft tendered his resignation to the club earlier today and has been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect.

Hopcroft’s exit follows on from academy manager Mark Harrison’s departure last summer. Harrison quit his role at The Hawthorns to take up a similar position at West Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

Mike Scott, who led Albion’s under-18s to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last season, also left the club in the summer to join Derby County.

West Brom appointed Richard Stevens as Harrison’s successor and he will play a key role in finding a new recruitment chief.