Alex Bell is following in the footballing footsteps of his father Nick at Shortwood United.
The on-loan 18-year-old Swindon Town striker was in red hot debut form, grabbing a double and two assists for Jake Rhodes as Shortwood beat Stratford FC 4-1
Bell senior scored more than 200 goals for the Nailsworth side back in the 1980s and 90s and watching his son on Saturday was certainly a moment to remember: “Seeing him come out with my old No.10 shirt was a bit emotional as I would never have seen that coming 25 years after I last pulled on a Shortwood shirt,” said Nick, who also played for Forest Green, Gloucester City, Cheltenham Town, Barnstaple and alongside Mark Lawrenson at Moreton Town.
Alex was pleased with his impact in his first game and concurred with his dad that the day was certainly emotional: “I’m pleased with my debut, I think I helped the team get the win and hopefully keep making an impact on the games going forward.
“As I walked out the changing room I had a feeling flow through my body that dad had done this for 15 years and now I am doing it. He’d told me all his stories at the club and I new it was my time to do the same although there was a lot of pressure as I’m on loan from Swindon Town.
“To get two goals and two assists on my debut, I feel was a good contribution to our 4-1 win. And to be told after the game that I had received man of the match on my debut was a bonus.”
Bell junior has been with Swindon since the age of 12 and was nurtured by former Republic of Ireland, Swindon Town, Portsmouth and Southampton midfielder Alan McLoughlin.
Alex, a former Maidenhill pupil is certainly part of a Bell football dynasty with his uncle Francis playing for Brighton in the 1970s.
