Bermuda theme unmistakable as fans pour into Wembley

World-famous Wembley Way is a sea of Claret and Gold as Bradford City and Nahki Wells gear up for their moment of truth at Wembley.

The League Two underdogs – who have already upset Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa – take on Premier League Swansea in London with the Capital One Cup up for grabs.

It’s a game that has a big dash of Bermuda – and nowhere was that more evident that outside the stadium.

Among the throng of the noisy fans – mostly supporting Bradford City, it has to be said – there were unmistakable twangs of our island’s accent.

Gladwin Richardson, Wells’ former fitness coach at Dandy Town, Nathan Richardson, 37, former president of the club, and his son Najari, 17 were kitted out in Bantams kit showing off flags with messages of support for Nahki.

Asked how the game will pan out, Nathan said: “I’ve got to go Nahki to score haven’t I? I can’t go against him. It’s going to be 2-1 Bradford. It’s just amazing – there’s no other words you can use.

 “For the youth of Bermuda, this is a perfect example of what hard work and dedication and sacrifice can do. Keep the dream alive and don’t let up.”

Gladwin said it was a proud day for Bermuda and for him: “It’s a pleasure to be here – and it makes me feel proud that maybe I had a small part in it.”

These guys were nervous – so you can only imagine how Nahki’s family were feeling. His mom Elizabeth told the Bermuda Sun this morning her “nerves were shot” as the clock ticked down.

Her son was a prominent figure as the fans stepped off Wembley Park tube station – a mixture of the now famous Nahki mask as well as shirts emblazoned with the No21 on the back.

The BBC’s Matt Holland — former Ipswich player and Republic of Ireland international — was having trouble finding Swansea fans among the surging crowds as the Bantams fans — on the rebound from two administrations in recent years – soaked up their moment in the spotlight.

Further into Wembley and the pubs were packed – again with the Yorkshire contingent far outweighing their Welsh rivals.

Wells and his team-mates arrived around 2pm via coach and headed into the stadium as the excitement levels gradually went through the gears.

Bermudians in London, back home and around the world are holding their breath. The big kick-off is not far off.