Brian Tinnion has provided an update on Nahki Wells’ contract situation, admitting that Liam Manning has spoken to the forward about his future at Bristol City but no decision has yet been made.
Wells joined the Robins from Burnley in January 2020 and last put pen to paper on a contract extension at Ashton Gate in the winter of 2022, agreeing a three-year-deal which will see him remain in the West Country until the end of the season.
When fit this term, the Bermudian international has been the Reds’ first-choice striker and has played some of his best football in City colours. In 18 Championship starts this term, the 34-year-old has scored seven goals and laid on three assists for his teammates to help Manning’s side challenge for the play-off places.
Despite his impressive form, and Wells himself admitting he would be open to remaining in the West Country, the Robins have yet to offer the striker a contract extension at this stage. However, technical director Tinnion has confirmed that those talks will happen once next season’s budget is in place in BS3.
“We’ve had the conversation with Nahki, Liam spoke with him last week and he’s comfortable with the position we’re in,” Tinnion told BBC Radio Bristol ahead of the Reds’ clash with Swansea City. “We haven’t had the budget for next year, we’re going to speak to Nahki when that’s in place.
“He’s really comfortable with the position he’s in, he’s enjoying his football, and playing extremely well. He’s a brilliant person around the dressing room and a brilliant person on the pitch and is really comfortable with the situation, as are we.”
Wells is the oldest member of Manning’s first team squad by some distance, especially after Andi Weimann, Matty James and Andy King all left Ashton Gate upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of last season.
Under the 39-year-old’s management, City have moved towards a much younger playing squad, with Tinnion himself admitting at this season’s fan forum that BS3 would no longer become a retirement home for players.
Bristol City Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Given the Bermudian international’s age, and the role that he played in Tommy Conway’s development during his spell in the West Country, some fans have suggested that the 34-year-old could take on some coaching responsibility alongside a new deal in the West Country.
Although Tinnion didn’t close the door on that idea entirely, he did insist that Wells’ primary focus at this time would be his own playing career, insisting the forward doesn’t behave like a 34-year-old, both on the pitch and the training ground.
“Well, he’s doing his coaching badges,” explained the Robins’ technical director ahead of kick-off on Sunday lunchtime. “He’s on his A licence now, and as I said, he’s a really popular lad around the HPC.
“He was great with Tommy Conway, he’s been great with [Sam] Belly, he’s helping Sincs [Armstrong] now, so that could be an option if that’s what Nahki wants to do. But at the moment, Nahki probably thinks he’s got more football in him because he’s running around like a 25-year-old.”