I’ve started following Bradford because of Nahki, says Governor
Governor George Fergusson has paid homage to Nahki Wells’ historical goal he scored at Wembley Stadium last month during Bradford City’s League Two Play-Off final defeat of Northampton Town.Wells, who turns 23 today, netted the Bantams final goal in a 3-0 victory over the Cobblers to extend his season tally to 26 in all competitions.The former Dandy Town man is the only Bermudian to score at Wembley with his historical goal arriving less than three months after becoming the first local footballer to play at the iconic stadium.“Nahki Wells really looked as though he was feeling at home at Wembley in his second visit of the season,” Governor Fergusson told The Royal Gazette. “His goal was skilled, calm, and important and he looked afterwards as though it was the sort of thing he does every day. A brilliant end to the season for a rising Bermudian.”The Governor has supported Kilmarnock Football Club since childhood but in recent times has acquired a soft spot in his heart for Bradford through Wells superb scoring exploits on the pitch.“I hadn’t thought that one of the effects of coming to Bermuda would be to make me a Bradford City supporter,” he told The Gazette earlier this year. “But, thanks to Nahki Wells, it has.“Until I came to Bermuda, Bradford City wasn’t a club whose progress I had given much thought to. It has been hugely exciting following their progress and Nahki’s spectacular part in that progress.”Wells is currently on Island but will not take part in the national team’s clash with England C at the National Sports Centre (NSC) next Tuesday as he is recovering from the physical effects of a gruelling 64-game season with League One-bound Bradford City.Bermuda Football Association revealed earlier this week that they plan to honour the Bantams striker’s historical feats during next week’s international friendly.“The Bermuda Football Association will recognise his outstanding and historical achievements with Bradford FC on June 4 at the National Sports Centre,” said Bermuda Football Association (BFA) First Vice-President Cal Blankendal. “We look forward to Bermuda supporting our national team and join in recognising Nahki Wells for his success with Bradford and for being an outstanding ambassador for Bermuda.”As well as being a good ambassador, Blankendal described Wells as an ideal role model.“There are quite a number of young individuals who look up to Nahki here and also in Bradford,” he said. “The association recognise him for being an outstanding individual for putting Bermuda back on the map and also for creating history for Bermuda.”Wells became the first local to play at the new Wembley Stadium last February during City’s League Cup final loss to Premier side Swansea.The Bantams are the first fourth tier team to appear in the final of a major English domestic cup final in 51 years, toppling Premier sides Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa along the way.