Nahki Wells 'pivotal' in everything Bristol City do, says Liam Manning (2025)

Nahki Wells' current contract with Bristol City is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 Championship season

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Liam Manning admits that from his point of view, it is a case of "the sooner the better" when it comes to resolving Nahki Wells' contract situation at Bristol City following the striker's "outstanding" performance in the Reds' win over Sunderland.

The Robins moved a step closer to booking their place in the play-offs with a 2-1 win over the 10-man Black Cats on Good Friday, with second-half goals from Rob Dickie and Ross McCrorie enough to cancel out Eliezer Mayenda's impressive solo effort and ensure all three points remained in the West Country.

Sunderland defender Trai Hume was shown a straight red card by referee Oliver Langford after just seven minutes when he was adjudged to have fouled Wells and denied the Bermudian international a clear goalscoring opportunity. Although the decision was contentious, Manning was quick to praise Wells for the way in which he drew the foul, as well as the 34-year-old's performance as a whole.

"I thought he was top, I thought he was outstanding today Nahki," the head coach told Bristol Live at Ashton Gate on Good Friday. "He didn't score but he's just so intelligent.

"For the red card, how he just gets in his lane and takes contact. His reading of the game, the timing of how he bumps people, link-up play, I thought he was excellent today Nahki. He's been huge for us and we need him to keep it going now.

"He's just intelligent," Manning continued. "I think that's what you get when you've got a really bright player. The other lads love him, he's so pivotal in everything that we do here.

"He's in a really good spot, he's having a terrific season and long may it continue."

Heading into this season, few would have expected Wells to play a starring role for Manning's side, particularly following the arrival of both Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong during the summer transfer window. However, the former QPR forward has managed to work his way to the top of the City head coach's striking pecking order with a string of impressive performances despite having to wait until October for his first league start of the campaign.

In 36 Championship appearances this term, the Bermudian international has scored 10 goals and laid on three assists for his teammates to play a crucial role in the Reds' play-off push. As Manning mentioned above, even when he hasn't contributed in front of goal in himself, the forward has a knack for getting the best out of the players in and around him.

With just three matches remaining of the regular season, City find themselves fifth in the table, one point clear of sixth-placed Coventry City and four ahead of seventh-placed Middlesbrough.

Despite his impressive output, the Robins are yet to extend Wells' contract which is set to expire at the end of the season. Manning has made no secret of his desire to keep the veteran forward in the West Country beyond this summer and while he has previously suggested early talks have been held, he insists there is nothing new to report at this stage.

"No," the City boss simply told Bristol Live when asked if there was any update on the striker's contract situation.

"For me, the sooner the better," Manning continued when asked if supporters could expect a decision to be made come the end of the season. "When you look at what he brings, the condition he's in, that's his 23rd start today and he's scored 10 goals.

"Forget age, doing that at any level I think's top. I've made it quite clear, I'd keep him, I think he's been brilliant."