WITH the high-profile signings that Bangor City have made so far during an unprecedented summer of transfer activity, their x-factor might be an Academy prospect that has really caught the eye during the pre-season.

Big things are expected of the Citizens this season under the management of trophy laden boss Craig Harrison as they look to make an instant return to the JD Welsh Premier League following their demotion to the second tier.

While signings like Marc Williams, Les Davies and Phil Baker have gathered the headlines, and deservedly so, Harrison has an ace up his sleeve in the form of Alex Boss, a pacey wide man who has come through the ranks of the Citizens’ thriving youth set-up.

Having spent last season on loan at Holyhead Hotspur, Boss has experience playing at Huws Gray Alliance level and can operate anywhere along the flank which will be another massive asset to have as the season progresses.

Boss has a maturity beyond his tender years and looks set to play a huge contributing factor in any success that comes City’s way this season in what is expected to be another competitive second tier as plenty of teams have invested heavily in the hopes of making it to the top of the Welsh pyramid.

Harrison will need experience, and plenty of it, but in Boss they have a fearless runner with a surprising eye for goal, something which was demonstrated with a sensational solo effort during their recent friendly defeat at Colwyn Bay.

Being young and relatively naïve to your surroundings is far from a bad thing, and there will not be a full-back in the entire division that will look forward to coming up against Boss if he is given an opportunity to showcase his immense talent on a consistent basis this term.

Given the pressure that City and Harrison are under to make their stay in the HGA as brief as possible, the experienced manager might call upon those with more competitive games and a wealth of achievements under their belt during the critical early stages of the campaign, but someone with the talent of Boss should not be overlooked for long simply due to his potential and the impact he could possibly have on this side.

It has been a difficult few months for the Citizens thanks to a variety of different issues, but their one shining light throughout the recent turmoil has been their outstanding Academy, which continues to produce talented players from across the region that have the scope to have great careers within the game.

Boss is certainly one of the leading examples, and it would be a shock if he did not enhance his reputation as one of the most gifted young players in the region during what could end up being the most pivotal campaign in City’s rich history.