Bristol City sanction player exit as January transfer business begins early

Bristol City have allowed midfielder Ben Acey to join former club Guernsey on a month’s long loan. Acey joined the Robins in May from the island club and has been a part of Ali Hines Under-21’s team.

The 18-year-old joined from the same club that England Under-20 midfielder Alex Scott did. Acey like Scott played for the senior team before joining City and has returned for a short-term loan. In October, Acey penned a one-year extension that would keep him at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2024.

Acey started for Guernsey on his return, but they lost 1-0 to Tooting & Mitcham United. Guernsey play in the Isthmian League South Central Division, which is level eight of the English pyramid system.

The midfielder like Scott was released by Southampton, before returning to their local club in Guernsey. He caught the eye of City’s technical director Brian Tinnion, and after impressing in several trial matches, was signed up at the end of last season. He is one of three players from the Island with Tim Ap Sion also on the books.

“Playing for Guernsey helped me a lot in ways I probably wouldn’t have even noticed,” admitted Acey to Harry Rhydwen-Jones’ The Island Dream, a short video feature on Guernsey’s Football Talent Pipeline.

“Physically the way I can conduct myself on the pitch now is different from how I’d ever done it before playing for GFC.

“I think I noticed that when I came here just when I’d always be on the move running. I think the men’s team is different to the Under-21’s game.”

Acey has scored goals against Millwall and Watford respectively this season. He played in the Robins’ final Under-21 game before the New Year against Sheffield United and was earmarked as one of the players that impressed.

As for other loan players, Ryley Towler has been first choice at AFC Wimbledon and will remain there until the end of the season. James Taylor is expected to be recalled from his loan at Cheltenham Town, having found opportunities limited. Prince Henry is on loan at Southern League outit Tiverton Town, and Will Buse is second choice at Yeovil Town.