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 predicted, “we haven’t seen the best from this youngster.”
That prediction proved to be a bit of an underestimation.
Today aged 22 and an established top-flight player with Bournemouth, the playmaker has just received his maiden summons to the senior Three Lions squad.
His ascent from non-league prodigy to possible international star is a true throwback, a story seldom seen in the modern era.
What’s next? The World Cup?
“Back then, there was zero possibility of making it as a pro footballer, let alone featuring in the Premier League and representing England too,” Scott stated in a recent interview.
“It has been a incredible five or six years of my life, and circumstances have transformed completely for myself and my loved ones.”
But in what way did Alex Scott, referred to affectionately as the ‘Grealish from Guernsey’, find himself at this level?
Learning in the lower tiers
Scott’s football journey has not been a typical one.
He was part of over four years in Southampton’s youth system from the age of eight, skipping school each Friday to travel by air from his home on the Channel Island to the south coast so he could attend training and feature for the Saints’ youth teams.
Before he turned 13, however, they released him. The Cherries were willing to offer him an option and he was on the Cherries’ books for a while, but, as he later admitted, his mind wasn’t fully committed.
Rather, he chose to remain on the island and turn out for his hometown club.
“My form had dipped and flying over weekly was becoming overwhelming,” he explained.
“All I desired to relax at home with my friends at the weekend because I missed nearly four and a half years of that experience. To have that slice of youth again was something I definitely required.
“To gain some confidence by coming back and playing local football was huge for me. It was perhaps one of the most important factors that led me where I am today.”
At the age of 16, the teenager became the most youthful appearance-maker in the club’s records when he was introduced as a 57th-minute substitute in their league match at Phoenix Sports.
“I had sleepless nights because I was trying to work out how I could include him in the team because he’s that good,” manager Tony Vance stated at the time.
“People have witnessed that – his possession of the ball is exceptional, the manner he carries the ball, he’s pure quality.”
Returning to the pro ranks
Second-tier club the Robins – chaired by islander Steve Lansdown – had been tracking his early progress after an promising beginning in men’s football and gave him a trial in December 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 complete shock.
“Midweek I played for his local side in London, travelled back and on the Friday, I took the field for the youth team and netted a three goals. From that point a done deal for me to sign a contract.”
Within 18 months, even well before his 18th birthday, he was making his senior debut against the Hatters.
He went on to make 83 league appearances for the Robins while still a teenager, often being used as a wing-back – and occasionally further forward as a number 10 – demonstrating his adaptability and versatility. Despite his youth and not in his natural role he was their best player.
Thanks to his ability to carry the ball forward, and with his socks down to his ankles, he picked up the moniker ‘Guernsey’s Grealish’, a nod to City and national team attacking midfielder Jack Grealish.
At the end of the 2022-23 season he won the EFL Championship’s young player of the season award, was chosen in the division’s best XI and was named the club’s top player and top youngster.
“Without question, I think he will represent England and I think he will progress to the pinnacle of the sport,” his former manager, Scott’s manager at the club, remarked last year.
Within three months later, he joined the Cherries for a understood fee of £25m.
Getting his big move
Scott endured a difficult first season with the Cherries, having to wait until October to earn his Premier League debut after a knee injury in pre-season, and then finding himself inconsistent of the starting XI.
His second campaign was just as affected, this time by a surgery which ruled him out for almost four months.
“There was a decent run at the end of last season, which was good to have, then I broke my jaw,” explained Scott.
“It was yet another setback and the year was turning out to be quite a terrible start for the first half.”
But he was then called up by England for the Under-21 European Championships – and managed to get himself fit for the tournament.
He started five of the England U21s’ six matches as they claimed victory in the competition in the host nation, developing a strong understanding in midfield with Elliot Anderson, who himself has excelled for the first team with the national coach.
And he has started the current campaign just as strongly for his club, featuring in every game to guide them to fifth in the standings.
“To play for the national team would be among the most special moments of my life,” the player said earlier this season.
“It’s down to me, I’ve got to keep progressing as a player, keep enjoying the game, getting better day on day, and with luck I impress the national coach and get my chance.”
