Jaden Warner’s Norwich City league debut was another landmark day for former Canaries’ talent spotter, and now Blackburn chief Gregg Broughton.
Rovers’ director of football oversaw the pipeline that produced the likes of Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Jon Rowe during his five year stint in the Norwich academy, before Warner was the latest product to make the first team grade.
Broughton left Norwich in the early months of Stuart Webber’s arrival, but after a spell in Norway joined Rovers in the summer of 2022.
Blackburn finished just outside the play-offs last season, and cruised to a 3-1 Carrow Road league win on Sunday with one of the youngest squads in the Championship.
“An enjoyable trip back to Norwich City, mainly due to Blackburn Rovers’ performance and result,” he posted on Monday morning. “Just as great was to see the legacy that we worked so hard to build between 2012 and 2017 continue to bear fruit. A magnificent Championship debut from Jaden Warner, who has had to be patient to earn his opportunity.
"Another player to graduate from the London recruitment programme that was the hard work of many including Jay Marshall, Ryan Gordon and Ross Embleton.
“From one age group Norwich City have seen first team appearances from Jon Rowe, Tony Springett, Abu Kamara, Tyrese Omotoye and now Jaden Warner. From the same group Saxon Earley continues to thrive at Plymouth Argyle and Nelson Khumbeni at Bolton Wanderers.
“On last Wednesday night, under less favourable circumstances, it was also good to see Alex Matos continue to develop at Chelsea after his summer transfer from Norwich. Further afield, but also in the same age group, Kristian Hlynsson is now a first team regular for Ajax.
“When we also add Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, Ben Godfrey, Carlton Morris, Harry Toffolo, Jacob Murphy, Josh Murphy, Adam Idah and Todd Cantwell into list you realise how privileged we were to be working at Norwich City in such a special era.”
Broughton's impressive CV saw him linked with the sporting director role at Carrow Road, after Webber confirmed he was serving his notice period.
Former Arsenal loans manager Ben Knapper will take over from November 27, with the Canaries' listing in the Championship and head coach David Wagner's position under intense scrutiny.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here