Nahki Wells’ Bradford career could have been over before it even begun after making a poor first impression, ex-Bantams winger Mark Ellis has revealed.Ellis, who made 218 appearances for City, was instrumental in Wells’ move to the club as part of his Richmond International & Soccer Academy (RIASA) coaching project.But he feared Wells, who bagged 12 goals last season, would not be given a second look by the English League Two side after a dismal performance in his first trial.City snubbed Wells the previous summer when he first arrived in the UK from Bermuda, with Ellis then recommending the striker to Carlisle who signed him on a short-term deal.It proved to be a frustrating six months for Wells who faced an uncertain future in the professional game after being released by the Cumbrians at the end of the 2010-11 season.Once again Ellis urged City to give Wells a chance, and while then manager Peter Jackson was reluctant, City’s director of operations, and RIASA chief executive, David Baldwin agreed.“I was surprised when Carlisle let Nahki go but I asked Dave if Bradford would now have a look. He had to persuade the club to bring him in,” Ellis told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.“Peter Jackson was very reluctant. But Dave, in his position, had the power to at least get Nahki the chance. He played against a college team at Apperley Bridge and unfortunately didn’t do all that well.“I knew he was better than that. He’s a young player who can run through brick walls.“So I pulled him in afterwards in the Victoria Hotel and told him exactly what I thought. I made it clear he wouldn’t play for Bradford again like that.“Luckily he took it on board, turned it round and scored a couple of goals against a non-league club in the next game. That convinced them he was worth a chance.“Since then Nahki has gone from strength to strength and I’m really pleased he’s doing it for my hometown club.”After a slow start at Valley Parade, Wells emerged as one of City’s chief attacking threats, netting the club’s first hat-trick since 2008 against Northampton Town.City are now looking to ward off interest from bigger clubs by tying the 22-year-old down to a four-year deal .He is already contracted to the club for next season after the City took up an option in his original one-year contract.Ellis now hopes to unearth another ‘rough diamond’ like Wells at RIASA, where Bermuda Hogges goalkeeper Tahj Bell has spent the past two years developing his game.“It’s a unique programme and you can get any player over here. It’s not just from America, we’ve got people from Hong Kong and all parts of the world, said Ellis, who will give the Bantams first pick of any emerging players.“We’ve got 25 lads all playing at a different level; some are low down but we’re just looking for those one or two special players like Nahki.“I’m just crazy about football and I’d love to help Bradford where I can. I’m not saying there’s going to be one (new player) next year but someone will pop up.”