Bristol City star Alex Scott has joined a prestigious list of former talents after being crowned the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season.
The 19-year-old midfielder beat Middlesbrough talent Hayden Hackney and Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo to the award having enjoyed another fine season for the Robins, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest English talents in the game.
He joins an illustrious group of players who have previously won the award, including his idol Jude Bellingham plus fellow England internationals Ollie Watkins and Dele Alli (when it encompassed the whole EFL). Scott has started 38 Championship games, making two substitute appearances which has included one goal and four assists.
His stock has continued to rocket throughout the season having broken into the first-team set-up last campaign. His consistent levels of performance have earned high praise from the likes of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish following their FA Cup tie, while he continues to be watched by a host of Premier League clubs.
Scott's award is also a nod to the work of Technical Director Brian Tinnion and manager Nigel Pearson, among others, who have helped develop and nurture his talent after his move to BS3 in 2019 following the recommendation of Guernsey manager Tony Vance.
As to what was behind his success, Scott told assembled guests: "The trust from the coaching staff. I owe a lot to the club, I have been there three years now coming over as a young 16 year old and now I’m playing every week in the Championship so I owe a lot to them and I am grateful for it.
"I think I have had to grow up a lot. Everyone at the club help to keep you grounded, my teammates are big on that as well so I have a lot of people to thank and I’m just grateful to be here and win this award."
It's the first time a City player has won the Young Player of the Season award with the likes of Gareth Bale and Wilfried Zaha also previous winners. Out of the last nine winners, six would go on to play in the top flight in the following season whether that came through promotion or transfer, while Bellingham moved to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
There's an expectancy that Scott will head for the Premier League this summer while this award will only strengthen City's hand when it comes to negotiating the best price. The Robins will look for a minimum of £25million although that figure could rise depending on the number of clubs who come forward with offers.
Scott is also growing his reputation on the international stage. After winning the Under-19 European Championships last summer, he will undoubtedly play in the Under-20 World Cup due to take place next month having emerged as a key figure in Ian Foster's side.
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