Norwich Academy Releases 13 Young Players
Norwich City is undergoing a significant shake-up in its academy, with 13 young players, including defender Billy Gee and winger Brandon Forbes, set to depart the club at the end of the season.
The club confirmed these departures alongside senior exits for Shane Duffy, Emi Marcondes, Jeff Schlupp, and Tony Springett last month, publishing their full retained and released list on Tuesday afternoon.
Key Players Leaving Norwich City
Midfielder AJ Bridge, who joined from Middlesbrough in August 2024, will also leave after a loan at Cork City, having been named in Championship matchday squads without making a senior appearance.
Forbes, who was signed from Dundee United in 2024, enjoyed a successful loan at King's Lynn Town but will not continue his development at Carrow Road. Gee, who joined from Chelsea, faced a setback due to injury during his debut season, leading the club to not activate their 12-month option on him.
Ruddy, a Welsh youth international, signed a two-year scholarship but made only six appearances for the under-18s this season, marking the end of his long association with the academy.
Changes in Norwich Academy Leadership
The list of released players also includes Norfolk-born goalkeeper Henry Bullen, full back Harmony Okwumo, and attacker Damarai Daley, among others. Scholars Ethan Binnie, Victor Madu, and Foden Northover will also leave after failing to secure professional contracts.
This transition occurs as Dean Rastrick departs to join Premier League side Everton, with Norwich in the process of appointing a new director of football development. Scott Smith has been promoted to academy manager following Joe Shulberg's move to Johannes Hoff Thorup's coaching team at Rapid Wien earlier this season.
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