Congratulations to Academy graduate Tony Springett who has appeared in Norwich City’s last two Premier League games.
Springett was a member of our Maidstone Academy at Maplesden Noakes before joining the Canaries in October 2014.
He has since risen through the ranks at the Norfolk club, turning pro in 2020 and developing into a consistently high performer in the club’s under 23 squad. Following some outstanding displays in the March, the 19-year-old was named as a substitute for City’s Premier League games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley at the start of April.
Springett was then named on the bench again last Sunday for the visit of West Ham United, and came on as a half time substitute to become the first ever SEFA graduate to play in the Premier League. An impressive 45 minutes followed, ensuring the versatile midfielder/attacker was rewarded with a starting place for the following game on Wednesday night away at Leicester City.
Tony’s performances have received rave reviews from journalists and pundits alike, with his work rate and direct running in particular earning praise. Following the West Ham game, Norwich manager Dean Smith said: “He’s a good kid, a good honest kid who works extremely hard. He deserved his start and he’s unfortunate he didn’t get on the score-sheet. His numbers were through the roof in terms of his running stats and it’s what I’ve come to recognise from him because that’s what he gives us every day.”
Tony continues to be an outstanding role model on and off the pitch, with his work around mental health in particular setting him apart from his peers as somebody wise beyond his years. All at Soccer Elite FA are over the moon to see his hard work giving him the platform to reach this point – we can’t wait to hopefully see him in regular action for Norwich next season!
