KENNY Coker has completed his move to Norwich City from Southend United.

The 17-year-old, who made five appearances for the Shrimpers first team, has been snapped up by the Canaries following their promotion to the Premier League.

And Blues academy manager Ricky Duncan revealed the move come around after the striker impressed in a recent clash against the Norfolk side.

“We played Norwich during the season and Kenny had a really good game which highlighted him,” said Duncan.

“He’s something different that they haven’t got.

“They came and watched him a few times and he was scoring quite regularly.

“When they came in for him then the two clubs had to agree which they did eventually.”

And the move was completed after the Wickford based Coker also headed to Carrow Road on trial.

“Kenny went and had a trial up there to make sure it was what he wanted to do and it was a big decision for him and his dad because they live locally,” said Duncan.

“I think the draw for him going to a category one academy at a club that have just been promoted to the Premier League was too much to resist and from our point of view it’s another pathway for players at the club.

“I know that fans want to see them go into our first team and so do we, but these clubs can come along and we have to accept that we’re going to lose a few every now and then.

“The first pathway is our first team, and Kenny did do that with us at Southend.

“But it’s hard to stop a young lad going to a club at their level.

“Hopefully if we can get back up to the Championship I think it’s then harder for players to leave us but at the moment where we are it’s a great opportunity for him.

“Financially for the football club, if we’re not producing players in our first team then if we’re bringing finances in we’re doing both jobs.”

And Duncan remains grateful for the backing of chairman Ron Martin.

“The chairman backs the Academy and I want to thank him for his long-term support because despite the club’s relegation he’s publicly come out and said he will back the Academy again, which is great because it settles the staff and players down knowing that he is still supporting it,” said Duncan.

“Without his support we wouldn’t be able to run it, it’s as simple as that.

“The academy has been a success story so as long as we can maintain that we will have more Kenny’s hopefully in the first team or being sold.”