Nahki Wells Talks To BBC About Debut
Carlisle United’s Bermudian frontman Nahki Wells spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria this week about his professional debut during the team’s 4-0 victory at home to Bristol Rovers on the weekend [Jan.15].
The 19-year-old Bermuda international and former Dandy Town and Bermuda Hogges striker told Cumbrian radio listeners he had been looking forward to getting on the Brunton Park pitch as a late substitute, is adapting to life in England’s northernmost city — but does sometimes miss a sun which has been conspicuous by its absence during the UK’s recent Arctic cold spell.
“I was looking forward to it when it was just a case of the gaffer (Carlisle manager Greg Abbott) saying it was my time,” said Mr. Wells. “So, I was ready for it, I came on, I believe I didn’t get in too much action, we were just concentrating on the game and trying to keep a clean sheet.
“But, it was definitely a good feeling to come on in front of the home fans and get a good run-out and a good game.”
Mr. Wells signed a five-month contract with League One’s Carlisle at the beginning of the year, a deal he hopes will be extended if he proves his worth on the field.
” .. That is definitely my first goal, trying to earn a longer deal and establish myself and get into the ranks as a good player at the club,” he told the BBC. “It is going to take a few weeks for me to fully settle but I am sure I can …
” … It is a bit different, but everyone has done well with me and been good to me and have been encouraging me in every session to progress and become a better player. (Greg Abbott) explained to me that it is going to take a while to get into the groove and to establish myself among the other players.
“But, he just wants me to come here, work hard in every session and get used to the professional environment, which I am enjoying, and slowly work hard and get into the team and become a good asset for the team.”
Cumbria is in the grip of some of the coldest winter weather the county has experienced in more than 30 years – small icebergs have even been spotted off the coast — but Mr. Wells said he is adapting to his chilly new environment.
“Yeah, yeah, well, Bermuda has good weather but then it has its bad times, so I am a little bit used to the rainy weather. But, it is a bit different waking up every morning and not seeing the sun for a long time.
“But, it is something I expected, I am in the far north of England and it is something that always happens. But, it is something I will have to deal with and so far the weather hasn’t been too bad for me to handle, but I am enjoying it.”
Well done Mr. Wells…I didn’t expect to see you in the first team so quickly!!! Here is a clear example of all the good work of Shawn Goater, Kyle Lightbourne and Paul Scope and the Bermuda Hogges football club and the BFA and Derek Broadley. Also have to mention Dandy Town FC and their coaching staff and youth program. It is no accident that they are producing all the players stepping up to the professional ranks. Finally a BIG thank you to all the Bermuda local and International Companies that support and fund Bermuda Football, this is your success story too!!Your support is starting to create real chances for young Bermudian footballers^^