David Wagner has paid tribute to outgoing Norwich City academy chief Steve Weaver and knows whoever succeeds him has big shoes to fill. 

Weaver announced his intention to stand down from his role as head of football development after seven years last week, with Norwich set to take their time to assess their options over the summer. 

During his time at the club, Weaver has overseen 24 senior debuts and played a key role in shaping their academy after he joined Stuart Webber in joining from Huddersfield in 2017, during Wagner's tenure at the John Smith's Stadium. 

With Weaver set to set aside, Wagner was full of praise for the impact he has had over his time in Norfolk. 

"I've known Steve for quite a while because he was the academy director at Huddersfield. First and foremost, I like to give him big, big credit and praise for everything that he has done. 

"If you look on the players who came through the academy in the period that he has been here, which was quite a long one, it speaks for itself," Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk. 

"He is a fantastic academy manager. He is somebody who really knows how to produce talents and make them physically and mentally strong enough to survive in this professional football business. 

"I'm very happy that I've had the chance to work with him now twice, and if he has now made the decision that he wants to have a break, then nobody understands this better than I do, and I will wish him the best for the future."

Norwich's next mission will be to source a replacement given the importance of the role within their model. 

Pushing through young talent is of paramount importance and something that sporting director Ben Knapper values highly. 

Norwich Evening News: Jon Rowe came through Norwich City's academy and has established himself this season.Jon Rowe came through Norwich City's academy and has established himself this season. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Wagner agrees with the notion that Weaver will be difficult to replace, but was focused on wishing the youth chief well rather than looking too much to the future. 

"Absolutely, especially if you have to follow someone like Steve. This is something now where the future shows who will take over the job. 

"But now, when this has been announced, the thoughts should be with Steve and what he has done and this is just incredible."