Hudderfield Town’s David Threlfall-Sykes sat down with Nahki Wells to review the Bermudians his first 12 months at Huddersfield Town
A goal against Watford was the ideal way for Nahki Wells to cap his first year as a Huddersfield Town player.
Last Saturday was the anniversary of the striker’s club record arrival from Yorkshire neighbors Bradford City and the Bermudian played a pivotal role as the Terriers recorded a 3-1 win over promotion-chasing Watford.
“I’m delighted to have finished my first 12 months at Huddersfield Town strongly, I’ve scored a few goals and the team has picked up good points in the last three games. It’s been important for us to try and build a rhythm to get a run going,” Nahki told htafc.com.
“I definitely think I’ve progressed as a player after a full year of Championship football. I don’t consider myself a newcomer anymore as I understand the league, so I still think I will get better as time goes on. Hopefully my progress over the next 12 months will be even quicker than the first year.
“It’s definitely been up and down, but it’s still been a great year. This season I’ve scored 11 goals so far and I want to get to the 20 goal mark as a minimum. I think I’m well capable of that as a minimum and I want to get there as soon as possible. That starts on Saturday against Middlesbrough.”
Nahki’s anniversary at the Club was made all the better by a visit from his family, who were at the John Smith’s Stadium to witness his Man of the Match performance.
Nahki continued: “It’s difficult that they’re so far away, but I’ve been in England for just over four years now and it’s nothing new to me. It was lovely to have them watching me last weekend – they were there right at the start – and they drive me on to do well, as I’m representing them. The hard work they put in for me drives me to get to the top. I cherished the bit of time I had with them.”
Still only 24, Town’s top scorer knows he can still improve a lot as a footballer:
“It’s as clear as day that, in order to progress as a player, the hold-up play is an area I need to improve upon. I’ve needed to do that here in order to get myself a starting spot – and I think I did it well against Watford last Saturday. Now I need to build on it, because until now I think consistency has held me back. If I can build on it, my performances will get better.
“I definitely think I’m stronger than people give me credit for, but it’s difficult to challenge someone who is a foot taller and 30kg heavier than me! It comes down to timing and intelligence; I have to be one step ahead of defenders. I was on Saturday.
“I don’t think I have to play off a big man. I think people believe that’s the case because they are the signs I’ve shown, but I know I am capable of showcasing the other sides of my game.
“It’s on the training pitch that you improve. You do a lot more training than playing games and that’s where you reap your rewards.”
“It’s clear that the manager is not a 4-4-2 type of man, he’s changed the shape numerous times. I’ve played in a three, a two and alone and he likes us to play different roles at different times of the season. I actually think that flexibility is good for the football club.
“He’s told me to keep working hard on the things that aren’t my strengths and I think I’ve done that quite well. At this point, I probably feel as confident as I ever have in my footballing career and that probably shows in the matches. If I can continue to train and play like that, I’m sure the manager will continue to put me in the side – whatever formation he chooses.”
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