Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to big Nahki Wells, Bristol City decision | OneFootball

Nahki Wells is looking for a new club this summer following his Bristol City departure. Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie reacts.

Nahki Wells has officially left Bristol City following the expiry of his contract, but was the experienced striker worth one more year at Ashton Gate?

The 35-year-old departs after five and a half years at the club, and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes the decision highlights a clear direction in Bristol City's recruitment moving forward.

Wells' future sealed after play-off disappointment

After 214 appearances and 41 goals in a Robins shirt, Wells has called time on his spell in the West Country. The former Burnley and QPR striker featured heavily under Liam Manning last season, playing 39 times in the Championship and contributing 10 goals and four assists.

Despite the Robins' efforts, City were thrashed 6-0 on aggregate by Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Lee Hendrie was asked whether the club's call not to offer Wells a new deal was the correct one.

"After having a decent season as a more than dependable striker, you feel that one more year would have been a decent option for both parties," he said.

However, Hendrie pointed to a potential focus on youth, and a new attacking profile as key reasons behind the call: "They've got Sinclair Armstrong now, who's a completely different style of striker. They've probably looked at that, alongside Wells' age, and thought about where they want to go next."

"It doesn't surprise me, him leaving the football club," Hendrie added. "But after the season he had, I did think there was still a chance they could have offered him another deal."

Wells bids farewell: "You've taken me in as one of your own"

Following the announcement, Wells shared a heartfelt farewell message with supporters via Bristol City's official website.

“Over the past five-and-a-half years, I’ve built a massive connection with so many people at Bristol City, from the staff at the Robins High Performance Centre and the fans at Ashton Gate to the many amazing people in the local community,” he wrote.

“We’ve created so many special memories that will live with me forever. You’ve taken me in as one of your own and made my family feel at home from the moment I joined the club.”

Reflecting on the club’s late-season push for the play-offs, Wells added: “The moment on the pitch at Ashton Gate finding out we’d made the play-off places is something I will never forget, celebrating something we worked so hard to achieve with the fans who backed us the whole way.”

Wells played 79 minutes in what would be his final appearance for the club in the second leg of the play-off semi-final at Bramall Lane.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, his influence on and off the pitch remained evident. Now a free agent, Wells is expected to attract interest from clubs in the Championship and beyond, while Bristol City continue to reshape their squad under new head coach Gerhard Struber.

"I wish you all the best," Wells signed off. 'Up the city."