Nahki Wells Determined To Keep Improving
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Nahki Wells is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal, scoring four goals in as many games, and will look to help extend Bristol City’s five-game unbeaten run when they face Norwich City away tomorrow [April 20].
The Bermudian striker will be up against David Wagner, his former head coach at Huddersfield Town, where the pair enjoyed success together, winning promotion to the Premier League via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs in 2016-17.
Wells, who has worked with 14 head coaches during his career in England, has described City head coach Liam Manning, the fourth he has played under at Ashton Gate, as a “breath of fresh air” and said he has inspired him to keep improving.
“All managers are different, but what I would say, in working with the gaffer is, first and foremost, he’s a great person, he loves the game, he’s 100 per cent committed to his job and, us as players, he really gives you that feeling that he wants you to progress as a player; whether you’re a 19-year-old coming through or an experienced player like myself, there’s always room for improvement,” Wells told the Bristol Post.
“His door is open, you walk in to have a chat, and next thing you know you’ve been in his office for an hour, you’ve been watching clips, you’ve spoken about things, and that’s one of the biggest things that I can say is great about him.
“It’s continuously wanting to improve you as a player, improve the team, take zero shortcuts, and has the way and a process at how he wants to do things.
“I think it’s coming to fruition, so hats off to him, he’s been a breath of fresh air since he’s been in with his ideas and his training methods.
“Every day is like a lesson. Even as an experienced player, you feel like you’re learning every day. That’s something I think most of the players will feel.”
The 33-year-old has scored eight goals in all competitions this season, and despite often being used as a substitute, with Manning interchanging Wells with fellow striker Tommy Conway while playing one frontline striker, he is still in the running to finish as top goal-scorer.
Wells, who could well start against Norwich, is three goals behind Conway with three matches remaining.
Despite being the second oldest City player, Wells, whose contract expires at the end of next season, is determined to play for as long as possible.
“I get told every day, being the second oldest in the squad, that I’m an old cat, and time just goes,” Wells added.
“You get older, and it’s something you have to deal with. Thankfully, in my career I’ve been very lucky with injuries, so I haven’t had that wear and tear from bad things happening to my body.
“That has helped me, living a healthy lifestyle and just being athletic, which has played into my biggest attributes.
“I wish I was 23, but I’m still able to compete with the young lads in terms of physical data. I still feel like I can play 90 minutes every game, but obviously, the manager doesn’t think that because I don’t, but the willingness to put that effort in just pays dividends to where I am today, and long may it continue.
“I know football doesn’t last forever, but I want to stay at this level and beyond for as long as possible.”
