Nahki Wells’ current contract at Bristol City and Ashton Gate is set to expire this summerNahki Wells’ Bristol City contract expires this summer(Image: EFL)

Nahki Wells has admitted he is facing a “waiting game” in regards to his future at Bristol City, but the veteran forward has been keen to wish his former coach Liam Manning “all the best” after he completed his move to Norwich City.

The Robins confirmed on Tuesday evening that Manning would be leaving his position at Ashton Gate with immediate effect after the Canaries activated a release clause in his contract. In his only full season in charge in BS3, the 39-year-old had guided City to the Championship play-offs, where they were ultimately beaten in the semi-final by Sheffield United, for the first time in 17 years.

Despite many expecting Wells’ gametime in BS3 to be limited this term, particularly following the summer additions of both Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong, the Bermudian international enjoyed arguably his best season in red and white. In 39 league appearances, the 35-year-old scored 10 goals and laid on four assists, to finish second in City’s scoring charts.

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Having made the move to the West Country over five years ago, Wells has seen his fair share of coaches in the Robins’ dugout. Though the forward has been left disappointed by Manning’s departure, he is under no illusions of the impact his former boss will have at Carrow Road.

“Obviously it’s a shame he’s leaving the club as I have worked with him for the last 18 months,” the City forward told The Royal Gazette. “He’s a top manager who I believe will go on to do top things and I think he’ll go on to manage in the Premier League for years and years to come.

“All of us are quite sad and disappointed to see him go. I can only speak so highly of him as a person and as a coach who has been great for us and great for me. I wish him all the best and I can assure you that Norwich will be a much better side with him than without him.”

Wells joined City from Burnley in January 2020, initially putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with the Reds. In the winter of 2022, the Bermudian international signed a new two-year contract in south Bristol which is set to expire this summer.

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Before his move to Norwich was confirmed earlier this week, Manning had admitted discussions still needed to be held at the High Performance Centre before a final decision could be made on the 35-year-old’s future. The former City boss had been open about his desire to keep “the veteran” – as Wells has been affectionately dubbed by Armstrong – in BS3, lauding both his fitness and influence off and on the field.

However, as of the time of writing, the Reds are yet to confirm whether or not the former QPR forward has signed a new deal. The latest update came last month, when the Robins’ retained list confirmed Wells and the club remained ‘in talks’ over an extension, while the likes of Kal Naismith, Ayman Benarous and Stefan Bajic were released.

With it now uncertain who will lead City into the 2025/26 campaign, the Bermudian international admits the coming weeks and the appointment of the next head coach will impact his future.

“For us, it’s about seeing who is appointed next,” Wells explained. “It’s just a waiting game to see what my future holds and what’s going to happen between me and the club over the next few weeks.”

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