Alex, we'll support you evermore
THE importance of a ‘big name’, top-flight player in Britain’s biggest sport, let alone one of the highest-profile leagues in the world, hailing from little old Guernsey can play in inspiring the next generation should not be underestimated.
When Alex Scott was born, Matt Le Tissier had been retired from top flight football for 18 months. Until the emergence of Alex’s former team-mate Maya Le Tissier in the Women’s Super League and for England, there had been nobody operating at that level since.
So the elevation of a local lad at the higher echelons of the game will be welcomed. Young lads and girls playing FIFA and Football Manager will look out for the Guernsey-born star and seek to emulate him.
Guernsey’s reputation outside of the island will get a further boost.
It could be argued that it is ‘only’ Bournemouth that Scott is moving to, rather than a really big name, but it’s a stepping stone. He has cut his teeth at Bristol City, demonstrating that he can do it. The next stage is to cement himself as a Premier League regular. That is better than getting ‘lost’ at a big club. And then, maybe, the bigger names, brighter lights, and full England cap will follow.
But if Bournemouth is the summit of his career, that will still be cheered by every islander wanting the best for ‘our boy’. Everybody, football fan or not, will wish Alex well.