Back when Alex Scott stepped onto the pitch for his Guernsey debut against Phoenix Sports before just 55 spectators in 2019, his manager back then predicted, “we haven’t seen the best from this youngster.”
That prediction turned out to be something of an underestimation.
Today aged 22 and a Premier League regular with the Cherries, the midfielder has earned his maiden summons to the full England team.
His ascent from eighth-tier talent to potential international star is a proper blast from the past, a journey seldom seen in the modern era.
Next stop? The World Cup?
“Back then, there was no chance of making it as a pro footballer, never mind featuring in the Premier League and representing England as well,” Scott said previously.
“It’s been a incredible half-dozen years of my life, and circumstances have changed drastically for me and my loved ones.”
But how did Alex Scott, known affectionately as the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, end up here?
Developing in non-league
Scott’s path in football has not been a conventional one.
He spent over four years in Southampton’s youth system starting at eight, skipping school each Friday to travel by air from his island home on the Channel Island to the south coast so he could attend training and feature for the Saints’ youth teams.
Prior to his 13th birthday, though, they released him. The Cherries were willing to offer Scott an opportunity and he was on the Cherries’ books for a time, but, as he later admitted, his heart was not in it.
Instead, he chose to remain on the island and turn out for his hometown club.
“I wasn’t playing very well and flying over every week was becoming overwhelming,” he explained.
“I just wanted to chill at home with my mates at weekends because I missed nearly four and a half years of that experience. Getting that slice of childhood again was a thing I really needed.
“Building a bit of confidence by returning and taking part in local football was massive for me. That proved to be probably one of the most important things that got me where I am today.”
When he was just 16, Scott became the most youthful appearance-maker in Guernsey’s history when he was introduced as a second-half replacement in their Isthmian League match at the opposition.
“I had sleepless nights because I was trying to work out how I could include him in the side because he’s that good,” Guernsey boss the coach stated back then.
“People have witnessed that – his possession of the ball is exceptional, the manner he runs with the ball, he’s pure quality.”
Making a comeback to the pro ranks
Championship side Bristol City – owned by Guernsey resident Steve Lansdown – had been monitoring his development after an promising start in adult football and arranged a try-out in late 2019.
“It was chaos,” recalled Scott. “The first day I joined the youth team, the next day I was with the senior squad, which was a complete shock.
“On the Wednesday I featured for Guernsey FC in London, returned home and by Friday, I played for Bristol City Under-18s and scored a three goals. From that point a done deal for me to sign a deal.”
Within 18 months, still well before his 18th birthday, he was earning his senior debut versus Luton.
He made eighty-three league outings for the club while still a teenager, often being used as a wide defender – and occasionally further forward as a number 10 – such was his adaptability and flexibility. Even at that young age and not in his natural role he was their best player.
Thanks to his ability to drive the ball forward, and with his socks down to his ankles, he picked up the moniker ‘Guernsey’s Grealish’, a nod to Manchester City and England playmaker Jack Grealish.
At the end of the 2022-23 season he claimed the second tier’s young player of the season award, was selected in the division’s team of the year and was named the club’s player and young player of the Year.
“No doubt, I think he’ll play for England and I think he will progress to the top of the game,” Nigel Pearson, the player’s boss at the club, stated last year.
Less than 90 days later, he signed for Bournemouth for a understood transfer fee of 25 million pounds.
Securing his major transfer
Scott endured a challenging debut campaign with the club, having to wait until the autumn to make his top-flight debut after a knee problem in pre-season, and then being inconsistent of the team.
His following season was equally disrupted, this time by a knee operation which sidelined him for nearly four months.
“There was quite a good run at the close of last season, which was nice to have, then I fractured my jaw,” explained Scott.
“It was almost another obstacle and it was shaping up as quite a terrible start for the first five months.”
But he was then selected by the national team for the Under-21 European Championships – and managed to get himself fit for the tournament.
He started five of the Young Lions’ six matches as they claimed victory in the competition in the host nation, developing a strong partnership in midfield with his teammate, who in turn has gone on to impress for the senior side under Thomas Tuchel.
And he has started this season just as strongly for his club, featuring in all matches to help them to the top five in the table.
“To play for the England senior team would be among the most special occasions of my life,” Scott stated earlier this season.
“The responsibility is mine, I must continue developing as a footballer, keep enjoying football, improving every day, and hopefully I catch the eye of the national coach and get my chance.”
