Bristol City to sign Guernsey FC starlet after successful games against QPR and Swansea City

Bristol City have agreed a deal to sign Guernsey FC midfielder Ben Acey who has impressed on trial in the West Country.

The Robins invited the 17-year-old on a two-week trial, which included playing two U18s games against QPR and Swansea City.

Acey then played in central midfield against Charlton Athletic in an U23s game wearing the no.8 shirt.

And his performances have done enough to earn a move to Bristol City permanently, with the player having returned to Guernsey to finish the campaign with the Isthmian League South Central Division team before he moves over to Failand to join City’s U23s set-up in the summer.

The transfer owes much to academy director Brian Tinnion’s contacts book, as City have turned again to Tony Vance’s side to pick up a fledgling talent, following the capture of Acey’s friend and attacking midfielder Alex Scott in 2020.

Although a look at Southampton winger Ramello Mitchell eventually came to nothing last month, City have moved quickly to snap up Acey, who displayed good athleticism in the game against the Addicks for Mickey Bell’s development side.

Guernsey FC confirmed on their website three weeks ago that: “Over the last 2 weeks he [Acey] has been at Bristol City. Ben played in two U18 games vs QPR & Swansea, and started an U23 game yesterday vs Charlton.

“We are delighted to confirm that talks are now ongoing about an agreement going forward.”

And Bristol World understands that those discussions have been successful, with another young talent to possibly follow in the footsteps of Scott and others up at the Robins High Performance Centre.

Acey has made 23 appearances for the Non-League side this campaign so far, and scored one goal.

Vance told ITV News at the end of last month that the City staff were impressed with what they saw in Acey, who he has described previously as ‘fearless’.

“Every challenge we’ve presented to him in our environment he’s risen to and wanted to be the best,” explained the Guernsey FC boss.

“That’s a fantastic attitude to have and I think he’s shown that with Bristol City based on the conversations I’ve had with them.

“He’s got the characteristics and the talent so it’s over to him now. It’s a cut throat business over there but he’s got a chance.”