Brooke Norton-Cuffy completed a Transfer Deadline Day move to Hull from Genoa, capping a remarkable journey that began in Arsenal's academy and passed through four domestic loan spells before a permanent switch to Serie A. Former coaches who worked with him at two of those clubs say the 21-year-old is ready for the top flight — and they have the stories to prove it.

The Lincoln lesson

Rich O'Donnell, who served as assistant coach at Lincoln City when Norton-Cuffy arrived on loan as an 18-year-old under manager Michael Appleton, recalls one moment above all others. In a post-match analysis session, experienced striker John Marquis — on loan from Portsmouth — voiced frustration about the team's defensive lapses. Norton-Cuffy, a decade younger and barely settled into senior football, responded without flinching.