Log In

Reset Password

United’s Wells enjoying taste of the big time

Nahki Wells says running out in front of his home supporters in Carlisle’s 4-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at the weekend has whetted his appetite for regular first team football.In an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria, the 19-year-old said he was slowly settling into his new life in the UK and getting to grips with the professional environment at the English League One club.The former Dandy Town striker, who penned a five-month contract at United on New Year’s Day, will be looking to build on his debut performance when his side take on Huddersfield Town in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy area semi-final today.He came on in the 84th minute in United’s hammering of Rovers at Brunton Park on Saturday and said he was delighted to make his bow even if he only had a few minutes to impress.“It was a blessing, it was my first game, got a few minutes on my debut game. I was looking forward to it when it was just a case of the gaffer (Greg Abbott) saying it was my time,” said 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. It is going to take a few weeks for me to fully settle but I am sure I can”Ex-Bermuda Hogges player, Wells, said he was working hard to force his way into manager Greg Abbott’s plans and was confident he could make at impact during the remainder of the season.“(The manager) 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,” said Wells.“My first goal is trying to earn a longer deal and establish myself and get into the ranks as a good player at the club. It is going to take a few weeks for me to fully settle but I am sure I can.”Wells had been studying at the International Academic & Soccer Academy (IASA) in Leeds before he was recommended for Carlisle trials by the IASA’s director of football Mark Ellis, a close friend of Abbott’s. Although signing for United has seen Wells put his education on the back burner but he insists he has no regrets about making his move into the pro ranks.“I am not studying at the moment, I was previous to this from September to December in the last semester. But, I was over in Leeds studying in the Academy but I got the option to come up and I was definitely happy to take the option to come up to Carlisle,” Wells said.“... 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.”The characteristic wind and rain of North West England may be a far cry from the sunshine and beaches of Bermuda, but Wells said the contrasting weather conditions had not dulled the thrill of playing football for a living.“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,” he added.“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.”n In Sunday’s Premier Division match between Southampton Rangers and St. David’s at Southampton Oval, it was Yuzaire Bean who scored one of the home side’s four goals and not Yuzaire Tucker as was reported in yesterday’s Gazette.