We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Nicky Adams from Radcliffe, and with it Nicky starts a fourth spell at Gigg Lane.
The 38-year-old began his footballing career with the Shakers, after coming through the club’s youth setup in the early 2000s.
He made his first team debut in October 2005 in a 1-0 win against Darlington, in what was a debut not only for him but the first game in charge for the then manager, Chris Casper.
Nicky scored the only goal of the game, which ended up being the first of 14 in his first spell at the club.
Casper spoke highly of Adams after his debut: “I’m made up for young Nicky Adams, as he has really worked hard on his game. He’s run himself into the ground for the team, and he took the goal well.”
Adams signed for Leicester City in 2008
This kind of performance was typical of the player, both on and off the field. His character was infectious, resonating with those in the stands and in the changing room-a-like. His abilities were noticed by a host of clubs and his first spell at Gigg Lane came to a close with a move to League One-side Leicester City in 2008.
He made his first return in May 2014 following spells at Brentford, Rochdale, Crawley Town and Rotherham United. This second stint only lasted a season, but his first promotion as a Shaker came with it, earning a top-three spot on the last day of the 2014/15 season at Tranmere.
Adams’ third spell began in the summer of 2018 when he joined a newly-relegated League Two side under the stewardship of club legend Ryan Lowe.
Nicky was the captain, leading by example and despite fantastic displays on the pitch, and another promotion to League One, (again at Tranmere), turmoil off the pitch spiralled the Shakers supporters into despair.
We left the Football League in the summer of 2019 after 125 years of membership.
Nicky spoke out on social media about the behind the scenes issues (left), but this was unable to prevent the downturn in club’s plight, with all players and staff eventually leaving the club after pay had been withheld for months.
Moving on again, Nick headed back to Northampton for a second spell, before returning north to Boundary Park and Oldham Athletic. Recently he joined Radcliffe, and helped guide them to promotion last season as Boro hit the National League North for the first time.
He reached 100 appearances for Boro earlier this month, and has over 750 appearances across an extensive 22-year career to date.
“I just think it’s the perfect time, you know as soon as I knew the opportunity was there for me to come back, it was just a no-brainer for myself, said Adams in his first interview since his return.
“I’ve got a lot of history with this football club. I’m absolutely buzzing and I can’t thank everyone, for making it happen really.
“Hopefully, I can come in and give everything I’ve got as usual and help us do what we need to do.”
Manager Dave McNabb added: “I’m over the moon to get this one done.
“Nicky is a hero to the club and the fans.
“He will bring a huge amount of experience and quality into the group just as we approach a critical part of the season.
“It moved really quickly over the last few days and I was so impressed with Nicky’s attitude and his hunger for the game in general but in particular his passion for this football club.”
To date Nicky has made 191 Bury appearances, scoring 19 goals. We are sure you will be looking forward to welcoming him back to Gigg Lane once again.
The agreement is subject to FA and league approval, with Nicky going into Dave McNabb’s squad this week once this has been confirmed.
For more on Nicky’s arrival, head to the socials X / Facebook / Instagram
To get your tickets to watch Nicky back at Gigg Lane this December, these can be secured now by clicking below:
