June 26, 2013 at 1:01 p.m.
Wells seeks transfer advice from Goater and Lightbourne
The Bradford City striker, who became the first player from this island to score at the famous stadium in the League Two playoff final win over Northampton Town, admits he is braced for an unsettling period as interested Championship clubs circle.
After 26 goals last season, the 23-year-old is hot property, with Leeds United, Burnley and Huddersfield just a few of the clubs linked with a move.
And Wells says he will talk to Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, the only other Bermudians to play at Wembley, to gauge their thoughts before he heads back to England on Friday to start pre-season training with the newly-promoted Bantams.
He told the Bermuda Sun: “I saw Goater and Lighty up at the [England C] game but I had to dash. Goater contacted one of my family members yesterday morning and told him to give me a call so before I leave I’ll talk to Shaun and Kyle and get their views.
“Obviously I’m sure they are going to give me advice on what I should do and how to manage the next few weeks and months, not to mention the next year. I’ll also see what my agent says, try to manage both opinions and take it on.
“Not only that but myself — because it is my career and I do have a good feeling of what I should do.”
He added: “It shows the interest knowing Shaun and Kyle are contactable if I need them. I know I can speak to them when I want to if I need any advice.”
City have made it clear they do not want to lose a player they regard as one of their “prize jewels’ and someone who, they point out, has two more years left to run on his contract.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn did, though, admit the club would be unlikely to turn down a “stupid offer” .
For ambitious Wells, refreshed after a vacation back home, he admits it would be hard to ignore a chance to play at a higher level.
He said: “I think it’s clear that everyone knows I’m contracted and I’m a Bradford player. They are putting it out in the press almost every day that they want to keep me and they want me to stay put, which is understandable because I did sign a long-term deal.
Increased interest
“I had such a good season that there’s a lot of people showing interest these days, although I’m just taking that with a pinch of salt until something really transpires.
“Don’t get me wrong, if an unbelievable opportunity came along… but I’m not trying to second guess it because I’m just trying to focus on Bradford because that’s respectfully the right thing to do.
“And I say unbelievable offer because that’s what Bradford are expecting, which is a bit unfair in a way but it’s business.
“They are making it difficult for me to leave but that’s business and I signed a deal and they have total control over what happens.
“Hopefully, if I get the opportunity, I’m able to get going in my career but if not I’m going to do the best I can and put in the work for Bradford as anyone would expect me to.
“I’ve given my all for Bradford and I love the club to bits because they’ve paved the way for myself.
“I just want to see what happens in the near future and deal with those situations accordingly.
“But I’m happy to be where I’m at. It’s only positive. I could be playing in League One for Bradford or I could possibly be playing in the Championship trying to kick on my career.
“I would never have imagined to be in this position a year ago so I’m happy to be in the situation I’m in. I’m level headed. I’m totally focused on doing what’s right for myself and in the right manner.
“I know it could be unsettling and I know the attention could affect my pre-season, etc, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to deal with it accordingly.”
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