Nahki Wells Confident Of Scoring Goals
Nahki Wells said he remains confident in his ability to make a significant impact for Bristol City in the Sky Bet Championship this season.
The 34-year-old striker, known for his work ethic and sharp instincts, is determined to secure more starts under manager Liam Manning and play a vital role for his team.
In an interview with the Non-League Football Paper, Wells, who scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Oxford United last weekend, has reflected on his present situation at the club.
“I still want to be starting, of course,” he said. “I don’t think anybody ever accepts being on the bench, no matter their age.”
The former Dandy Town player does not attribute his reduced playing time to a lack of confidence from the manager.
“I don’t think I’m not starting because the manager doesn’t think I’m capable,” he said.
“My physical data and output are extremely high. In terms of training, I’m doing everything right, and I’m sure the manager would agree with that.”
Indeed, the Bermudian has always prided himself on maintaining peak physical condition, even as he moves into his mid-thirties, an age when many players begin to feel the effects of a long career.
“Delivering in games is a bit tougher because I’m getting limited minutes, but I accept that because that’s the situation,” Wells said.
“When the manager came in last November, I was injured. We also had Tommy Conway doing really well.
“I never really solidified that starting position, and when I did get on, I’d either hit the post or the keeper would make a great save—little moments that stopped me going on a run.”
Wells insists he is hungry for more goals and said his passion for the game and self-belief has not wavered.
“But listen, I still feel young,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s delusion, but I still feel like a young buck on the pitch, and I still think I’ve got a lot to offer.”
He also reflected on how quickly time seems to pass in a footballer’s career.
“You really can’t see it coming. You see the older pros at the time in their early thirties who have started to slow down and change their game, and you think, ‘I’m never going to get to that stage; that’s so far away.’
“Then, before you know it, you’re the oldest person in the squad, and all the young guys are looking at you how I used to look at those old pros!”
Wells admits the shift from energetic youngster to senior player has been surreal.
“It’s different, for sure,” he said. “I was always that young, enthusiastic bundle of energy, and now I’m a senior player.
“But, again, I still feel like I’m the same person, near enough.”
Looking ahead, Wells is focused on his team’s away match against Swansea City today [September 29], a fixture he knows will be challenging.
“[Swansea] is always a tough place to go because they’re notoriously good on the ball,” he added.
“It means you have to be very good off the ball and hurt them when you get your chance.
“It’s never an easy game if you don’t control possession, and I wouldn’t expect Sunday to be any different.
“We’re well-prepared for what we’ll face, and we’re confident we can leave with all three points.”
