Back when Alex Scott stepped onto the pitch for his Guernsey debut versus Phoenix Sports in front of just 55 spectators in 2019, his manager back then predicted, “we haven’t seen the best from this boy.”
That statement turned out to be something of an underestimation.
Now aged 22 and an established top-flight player with the Cherries, the midfielder has earned his first call-up to the full England team.
His ascent from eighth-tier talent to possible England player is a true throwback, a journey seldom told in the modern game.
What’s next? A major tournament?
“In my mind, there was zero possibility of making it as a pro footballer, let alone featuring in the top division and representing England as well,” the player stated previously.
“It has been a incredible half-dozen years of my life, and things have changed drastically for me and my loved ones.”
But in what way did Scott, referred to affectionately as the ‘Grealish from Guernsey’, find himself at this level?
Developing in non-league
His path in football has been far from a typical one.
He was part of over four years in Southampton’s youth system from the age of eight, skipping school every Friday to travel by air from his island home on Guernsey to the mainland so he could train and feature for the Saints’ youth teams.
Before he turned 13, though, they decided to let him go. Bournemouth were willing to offer him an opportunity and he remained with them for a time, but, by the player’s own admission, his mind wasn’t fully committed.
Rather, he chose to remain on Guernsey and play for his hometown club.
“My form had dipped and flying over weekly was becoming overwhelming,” he explained.
“All I desired to chill at home with my friends at weekends because I missed almost several years of that experience. To have that little bit of childhood back was something I really required.
“To gain some self-belief by coming back and playing local football was massive for me. That proved to be probably the most crucial factors that got me to this point.”
At the age of 16, the teenager became the most youthful appearance-maker in Guernsey’s history when he came on as a second-half substitute in their Isthmian League fixture at Phoenix Sports.
“I’ve been having sleepless nights because I was figuring out how I could include him in the side because he’s that good,” manager Tony Vance commented at the time.
“People have witnessed that – his retention of the ball is exceptional, the way he runs with the ball, he’s pure quality.”
Returning to the pro ranks
Second-tier club the Robins – chaired by Guernsey resident their owner – had been monitoring Scott’s development after an promising beginning in men’s football and arranged a trial in late 2019.
“The whole experience was hectic,” recalled Scott. “Day one I joined the under-18s, the next day I trained with the first team, which was a total surprise.
“On the Wednesday I featured for Guernsey FC in London, travelled back and by Friday, I took the field for Bristol City Under-18s and netted a three goals. From that point a certainty for me to sign a contract.”
Within 18 months, even some way short of his 18th birthday, he was earning his senior debut versus Luton.
He went on to make 83 league appearances for the Robins while in his teens, often being deployed as a wing-back – and sometimes further forward as a number 10 – such was his adaptability and flexibility. Even at that young age and playing out of position he was the standout performer.
Thanks to his skill to carry the ball forward, and with his socks rolled down to his ankles, he picked up the nickname ‘Guernsey’s Grealish’, a nod to Manchester City and England attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.
At the end of the 2022-23 season he claimed the second tier’s young player of the season honour, was selected in the league’s team of the year and was named Bristol City’s top player and top youngster.
“Without question, I think he’ll play for England and I’m sure he’ll go on to the pinnacle of the game,” Nigel Pearson, Scott’s boss at Ashton Gate, stated last year.
Within 90 days after, he joined the Cherries for a understood transfer fee of 25 million pounds.
Getting his major transfer
Scott experienced a difficult debut campaign with the club, having to wait until October to make his Premier League debut after a knee injury in the summer, and then finding himself inconsistent of the starting XI.
His second campaign was equally disrupted, this time by a knee operation which sidelined him for almost several months.
“I had quite a good run at the end of the previous campaign, which was good to have, then I broke my jaw,” said Scott.
“It was almost another setback and it was turning out to be quite a terrible start for the first five months.”
But he was then selected by the national team for the U21 Euros – and managed to regain fitness in time.
He went on to start five of the England U21s’ six matches as they claimed victory in the competition in the host nation, developing a formidable partnership in midfield with his teammate, who himself has gone on to impress for the first team under Thomas Tuchel.
And he has started the current campaign equally as strongly for his club, featuring in all matches to guide them to fifth in the standings.
“To play for the England senior team would be among the most special occasions of my career,” Scott stated earlier this season.
“The responsibility is mine, I’ve got to continue developing as a player, keep enjoying the game, getting better every day, and with luck I impress the England manager and earn an opportunity.”
