Norwich City academy chief Steve Weaver will step down from his post at Carrow Road at the end of the season after more than seven years. 

The Canaries' head of football development has overseen a fruitful period for young players in Norfolk, with 24 players achieving first-team debuts during his spell at the club - including Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Jon Rowe, although they were at the club prior to his arrival. 

Weaver joined Norwich in 2017, following former sporting director Stuart Webber to Norfolk from Huddersfield Town. He made a host of changes to academy staffing and structure during his time at the club. 

The Welshman has worked with Webber at Wolves, Huddersfield and Norwich and will now take time away from the game before his next opportunity.

Reflecting on his spell at Carrow Road, Weaver told club channels that he would depart Norfolk with pride. 

“From when I first joined the football club, the objective was to help improve that pathway and progression of our younger players through the academy. It was something that Delia, Michael and the board were very strong on. Reflecting on that now, I think we can be incredibly proud of the work across the academy.

“I’d like to thank the board, players and staff for all of their work and support during my seven years with the club. I’d also like to thank Stuart and Zoe, who could not have given me any more support and autonomy in delivering and running the academy. 

“I now feel like the time is right for a fresh and new challenge. I’m incredibly proud of everything that we’ve achieved and I’m excited for what comes next.”

Executive director Zoe Webber has paid tribute to Weaver upon the announcement and wished him well for the future. 

“On behalf of everyone at Norwich City, I’d like to thank Steve for all of his hard work during his time with the club," Webber told official club channels.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Weaver was appointed by Stuart Webber.Steve Weaver was appointed by Stuart Webber. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

“We’re incredibly proud of our academy. Steve’s commitment and vision for what he set out to achieve has been integral to our many success stories. He has helped transform our academy infrastructure and facilities, which will stand us in good stead for many years to come.

“We joined the club at a similar time, and I’ve seen firsthand the time and effort he has put into the role and the sacrifices both he and his family have had to make to get us to where we are today. We completely appreciate and understand his desire to take some time out and find his next challenge.” 

Norwich will now begin the search for Weaver's successor - with the role crucial to the long-term development of the club and their ethos of developing and integrating young talent into their first-team. 

It is the first major staffing appointment that will be overseen by sporting director Ben Knapper since his arrival at the club in November.