From Non-League to England Call-Up: The Rise of ‘Guernsey Grealish’ Alex Scott

At just 22, Alex Scott has achieved what few footballers could ever dream of. The midfielder, affectionately dubbed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, has been called up to the England senior squad — a seismic leap from his days playing non-league football in front of 55 fans.

From flying weekly from Guernsey to Southampton’s academy as a child, to battling injuries at Bournemouth, and now potentially wearing the Three Lions at a World Cup, Scott’s rise is a refreshing football fairy tale in an era dominated by academy-to-pro pipelines.

Humble Beginnings in Guernsey

Scott began his football journey on the tiny island of Guernsey, flying weekly to train with Southampton from age 8. But after being released at 13, he chose to reclaim his childhood, returning home to play grassroots football with his local team.

In 2019, aged just 16, he became Guernsey FC’s youngest-ever player, debuting in the Isthmian League Division One South East. His talent was evident immediately.

“I’ve been having sleepless nights trying to figure out how to get him in the team because he’s that good,” said then-manager Tony Vance.

Rise Through Bristol City and the EFL

Scott’s big break came in late 2019, when Bristol City offered him a trial. He impressed immediately — scoring a hat-trick for the U18s just days after playing for Guernsey FC in London.

Within 18 months, he made his senior debut, aged 17. Scott played 83 Championship matches before turning 20, showcasing versatility as a wing-back, number 10, and deep-lying playmaker.

He swept Bristol City’s Player of the Season and EFL Championship Young Player of the Year honors in 2023, earning praise from manager Nigel Pearson:

“No doubt about it, I think he’ll play for England and reach the top of the game.”

£25M Premier League Move to Bournemouth

In the summer of 2023, Scott joined Bournemouth in a £25m move. His first season was marred by injury, but a strong finish and starring role in England’s U21 Euros triumph rekindled his momentum.

This season, Scott has played every match for Bournemouth, helping them to 5th in the Premier League and earning his first senior England call-up from Thomas Tuchel.

A National Team Future

Nicknamed the “Guernsey Grealish” for his socks-down swagger and dribbling flair, Scott is now on the verge of an international breakthrough.

“To play for the England senior team would be one of the proudest moments of my life,” Scott said.

His partnership with Elliot Anderson at the U21 Euros — now also in Tuchel’s senior plans — has laid the foundation for future success.

From 55 spectators in non-league to tens of thousands at Wembley, Alex Scott’s story is a powerful reminder: talent can be found anywhere, even on an island in the English Channel.