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Wells: I'll make most of my second chance

Nahki Wells, shown playing for Carlisle, has signed a one-year contract with Bradford City

Nahki Wells has pledged to make the most of his second chance in English football after signing a one-year contract with Bradford City.For the 21-year-old, it's another opportunity to prove himself in the muck and nettles of lower league football after being released by Carlisle United at the end of last season.The striker admits being shown the Brunton Park exit door was an unforeseen blow, but has vowed to use that rejection to fuel his fire to succeed at League Two Bradford.“I was released by Carlisle and I had to look for somewhere else,” said Wells, who was restricted to three appearances during time at Carlisle.“It was hard to take because I expected to be given a better chance and hoped to get another year at the club. I enjoyed my time up there but it was tough coming when I did during mid-season.”Disappointed but undeterred after his Carlisle set-back, Wells has spent the past three weeks on trial at the Bantams whose lack of goalscoring was a severe problem last term.In an effort to address his striker shortage, Bradford manager Peter Jackson has signed four marksmen during pre-season including Wells, who, despite facing some stiff competition, is confident of becoming a regular starter.“I'm the fourth striker the club has signed during pre-season, so there's definitely going to be a lot of competition,” said the former Dandy Town player. “I believe I have the ability to get in the side and score some goals. I feel that if I'm given the chance I'll take it.”Matches have come thick and fast for Wells during pre-season, his first in English football, with the former Bermuda Hogges man admitting the intensity of training has been higher than anything he has previously experienced.“Pre-season's important and it's been very, very tough,” said Wells. “I've stood strong, though, and feel fit and healthy ahead of the new season.”Wells' eye-catching displays during pre-season haven't gone unnoticed by Jackson, who believes the Bermudian's blistering pace can cause League Two defenders a plethora of problems.“He has done really well and has got potential,” said Jackson. “He is one of the quickest players I have seen. When he has come on in games, he has changed them. We have got a lot to work with at the moment and I just thought he was worth a chance until the end of the season.”Wells was recommended to Bradford by the club's former winger Mark Ellis who coached him at the UK-based International Academic and Soccer Academy.Meanwhile, Reggie Lambe has joined Gillingham on trial. He played for the League Two team in a 5-2 defeat against non-league Tonbridge on Wednesday. The Gills' next pre-season friendly is at home against –Millwall today.

Photo taken from Bradford City's website
Road well travelled

Over the years a decorated list of Bermuda players have graced the English professional game.

While the first was Arnold Woolard, who played for Newcastle United and Northampton Town back in the 1950s, undoubtedly the most famous is ex-West Ham legend Clyde Best.

But there have many others too. In more recent times, Shaun Goater grabbed the headlines at Manchester City for his goalscoring heroics, while his close friend, Kyle Lightbourne, donned the colours of Coventry City, Stoke City and Walsall.

Lesser-known former pros, Meshach Wade and Kentoine Jennings both made appearances for Hereford United in the early 90s, while winger Khano Smith spent three months at Lincoln City last year.

And now with the English season less than a month away, Bermuda could have as many as three players plying their trade in the spiritual home of football, with Freddy Hall at Northampton, Nahki Wells at Bradford while Reggie Lambe is currently on trial at Gillingham.