When Alex Scott stepped onto the pitch for his local team debut versus Phoenix Sports before just 55 fans in 2019, his coach at the time assured, “we haven’t seen the best from this boy.”
That statement proved to be a bit of an understatement.
Now 22 years old and an established top-flight player with the Cherries, the midfielder has just received his maiden summons to the senior Three Lions team.
His rise from eighth-tier talent to potential international star is a true throwback, a story seldom told in the modern era.
What’s next? A major tournament?
“Back then, there was no chance of making it as a pro footballer, never mind playing in the top division and representing England as well,” Scott stated in a recent interview.
“It’s been a incredible half-dozen years of my life, and things have changed drastically for myself and my family.”
So in what way did Scott, referred to fondly as the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, end up here?
Developing in the lower tiers
His football journey has been far from a typical one.
He spent over four years in the Saints’ youth system starting at eight, leaving school early every Friday to travel by air from his home on Guernsey to the mainland so he could attend training and feature for the Saints’ youth teams.
Prior to he turned 13, however, they released him. The Cherries gave him an opportunity and he remained with them for a time, but, by the player’s own admission, his heart wasn’t fully committed.
Instead, he chose to remain on Guernsey and play for his local team.
“My form had dipped and flying over every week was starting to feel overwhelming,” he explained.
“I just wanted 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 definitely required.
“Building some self-belief by returning and taking part in island football was huge for me. It was probably one of the most important things that led me to this point.”
At the age of 16, the teenager became the most youthful appearance-maker in the club’s records when he came on as a second-half replacement in their Isthmian League match at Phoenix Sports.
“I’ve been having sleepless nights because I was figuring out how I could get 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 outstanding, the manner he runs with the ball, he’s pure quality.”
Returning to the pro ranks
Second-tier club Bristol City – owned by Guernsey resident their owner – had been tracking his early progress after an impressive beginning in men’s football and arranged a trial in late 2019.
“It was chaos,” said Scott. “Day one I joined the youth team, the second day I was with the first team, which was a total shock.
“Midweek I played for Guernsey FC in the capital, travelled back and on the Friday, I took the field for the youth team and scored a three goals. It was almost a done deal for me to sign a contract.”
Within 18 months, still well before his 18th birthday, he was earning his senior debut versus Luton.
He made 83 league outings for the Robins while still a teenager, frequently being used as a wing-back – and occasionally in attack as a number 10 – such was his adaptability and versatility. Even at that young age and not in his natural role he was their best player.
Thanks to his ability to carry the ball up the pitch, and with his socks rolled down to his ankles, he picked up the nickname ‘Guernsey’s Grealish’, a nod to City and England playmaker Jack Grealish.
By the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign he claimed the second tier’s best young player award, was selected in the division’s best XI and was named the club’s player and young player of the Year.
“Without question, I think he’ll play for his country and I think he’ll go on to the top of the game,” Nigel Pearson, Scott’s manager at Ashton Gate, stated last year.
Within 90 days later, he signed for Bournemouth for a understood fee of £25m.
Securing his big move
Scott experienced a challenging first season with the Cherries, waiting until the autumn to make his Premier League debut after a knee injury in pre-season, and then finding himself inconsistent of the team.
His second campaign was just as affected, this time by a knee operation which sidelined him for almost four months.
“There was quite a good run at the end of last season, which was good to have, then I broke my jaw,” explained Scott.
“That felt like almost another setback and the year was shaping up as quite a terrible year for the first half.”
But he was then selected by the national team for the Under-21 European Championships – and managed to regain fitness for the tournament.
He went on to start five of the Young Lions’ six games as they went on to win the competition in the host nation, developing a formidable understanding in midfield with Elliot Anderson, who in turn has excelled for the first team under the national coach.
And he has started this season just as strongly for his club, featuring in every game to guide them to the top five in the table.
“Representing the England senior team would be one of the proudest moments of my life,” the player stated earlier this season.
“The responsibility is mine, I’ve got to continue developing as a player, keep enjoying the game, improving day on day, and with luck I catch the eye of the England manager and earn an opportunity.”
