Guernsey starlet arrives at Bristol City as Robins unlikely to give other hopeful a contract

The Robins have already had a huge success with Alex Scott, who arrived from the Channel Islands almost two years ago and now another player could follow suit.

Scott, who had played senior level football for Guernsey at the age of 16, joined City’s academy in December 2019 but quickly graduated into the first-team. The 18-year-old has since become an important figure this season, playing as both a wing-back and attacking midfielder

Now they are taking a look at replicating that by looking at Acey, who has also played senior level football at a young age, which could benefit City who have had an emphasis in giving young players first-team opportunities.

Over the last two weeks, Acey has played two Under-18 games for the Robins, as well as an appearance for the Under-23’s against Charlton this week after a trial was organised by his manager Tony Vance.

Such progress has been made during the two-week trial that there have been discussions about offering him a deal that would be mutually beneficial to both Guernsey and City.

‘It’s great news for him,’ said Vance to the Guernsey Press.

‘He went over for a week, which I arranged, and then they wanted to keep him on for another week.

“He has impressed them not only technically, but physically too.”

Described as a ‘promising young midfielder’ on Guernsey’s the 17-year-old broke into the first-team squad in October and has made 12 appearances this campaign, scoring once.

A quick glance at Acey’s social media page, you can see that evidence that he has a good friendship with Scott, sharing any positive news about the Robins’ teenage sensation.

There have been similarities drawn between the two players given they both played senior football from a young age and have shone in a game that is full of experienced players.

Vance oversaw Alex Scott’s ascension through the English pyramid system from Guernsey to Bristol City but isn’t keen to put any pressure onto Acey to try and live up to what Scott has done.

‘At the end of the day, he has got an opportunity and I’m not going to put any pressure on the kid,” Vance said.

‘But one thing I noticed with Alex is that whatever environment you put him in, he rose to it and embraced it. ‘So far with Ben, when he first got a chance, he jumped at it and embraced it. He then came to GFC training, again took it in his stride despite it being a difficult environment for a young lad, broke into the squad and then broke into the team.

‘Now he has gone to Bristol City and impressed there so he has taken those progressive steps, which is vital. ‘There is still a lot to learn for Ben, but he is in the right place. ‘I think it shows what platform playing for GFC can provide. It also shows there are no gimmes – you have to earn the right, which Ben has and so did Alex.”

Whilst City look at one player for their youth system, last week’s trialist Ramello Mitchell looks to have been unsuccessful in securing a deal at the Robins.

Mitchell, who is currently contracted to Southampton, played against Swansea City’s Under-23’s in Alex Ball’s sides 2-2 draw last week after being given permission by the Saints to find a new club.

The 19-year-old though had his trial with City ended and he is now pinning his hopes of securing a contract in the first-team at a Football League team.