Nicky Adams ended his final game in football with a 4-0 win over Burscough what saw Bury go up as champions, The Bury legend spoke to the club after the game.
Nicky Adams: “Do you know what, I don’t think I could probably sum it up into words that I’d do it justice. I’m just so happy, forget me at the minute, so happy for everyone involved to see what this football club has been through and to see that today is amazing. Something I won’t forget. Just so happy for all the lads and the staff, because I really think they’ll go on a journey now and I really think they can go through the leagues. Obviously disappointed that I can’t carry on that journey with them but, you know, I’m at an age now where I’m not getting any younger, the petrol lights on. So, I can’t turn other jobs down when it gets to my age. But I can’t sum it up into words other than I started here as a 16-year-old boy, finished here at 38 with a promotion at Gigg Lane So, like I said, it’s a fairytale ending for myself and my family. And like I said, they’re all here to witness it as well. So, a special day for me. So, I just want to say thank you to everyone, really.”
Nicky then spoke about what its like bouncing back after defeats and how it felt in comparison to his football league days, with him saying “Like I say, I’ve had so many good times at different stages, but I think the season as a whole, I think it’s just, since I came in in December, I’ve been here just short of half the season. It’s been fantastic. I can’t sum it up into words, to be honest. and when I spoke to the gaffer about coming in and they were having a bit of a sticky patch and I just said, look, if I can come in and help in any way, shape or form, I’d like to do that. It started really well, but then we had the West Isby defeat, which was tough, but we bounced back in style. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone who was involved. I went that day, and it was a tough day at the office. I’m not going to lie. I don’t want to see West Isby ever again; to be honest and I know their staff then. I said to them, do you know what? I’m as honest. They were good on the day. They deserve to win. I came off at half-time and it got worse second half, so I’ve never been happy to have been dragged at half-time. But, you know, I just think we had a meeting that week and we just said, look, realise where we are, realise what club we play for and from now on, that doesn’t happen to us again. Like I say, I think from that day, we’ve been brilliant as a team, as a squad. Everyone’s dug in and we’ve had some top moments here and I think we’ve really put on, especially at home, I think everyone knows we’re a good side at home, but away from home, we’ve been able to dig in at tough places. There’re no easy games, is there, at any level. But I think we’ve been really entertaining. I think today was the icing on the cake and what an atmosphere.”
Nicky then spoke about what it was like having Ryan Lowe and Neil Danns in the crowd for today’s game, he said “Yes, of course. Two very, very good friends of mine, unbelievable people and I hope they’re still here, because I want to catch up with them both. But it’s just been manic in it. So, listen, I think everyone knows what we went through in 2019, but that made us stronger as a bond. Me and Ryan have been close for a very long time. And then, obviously, when I met Neil here, we’re very good friends now, and I’ve got the utmost respect for him. Two top football players, and just two top people in the game. So, for them to be here today and witness that, and see me play my last game, I’ll have a good chat with them. We’ll have a good beer. But I can’t speak highly enough for people like that. They’re my friends for life, and I’d probably go as far to say that that team I played in was one of the best they ever… I know it was unfortunate what happened, but one of the best teams I ever played in. And it’s just a shame, because I think that we all speak about it now. I think that team would have gone on to do… would have been a real force in League One. Who knows? We might have got to the Championship, but it wasn’t meant to be. But, yes, two great men, and I’m fortunate to be a part of their journey as well. So, I love them both.”
Nicky then ended his interview by speaking about what’s next in life for him, with him saying “Of course. I’ll be back as many times as I can be. And cheering is on, because, like I said, this club’s only going to go from strength to strength. The gaffer and his staff, and obviously Tim [Lees], you’ve just spoken to, Chris [Watts], Sam [Ashton], all of them. I don’t want to miss them out. Just them as a group, they’re fantastic and I can’t thank them enough for bringing me back to this football club, because I never thought it would happen. So, a massive thank you to them. And honestly, they’re unbelievable people, and they’re only going to take this club forward. And I’ll be here supporting as a fan when I can, and we’ll see what the road takes me in my next journey. So, just from me, a massive thank you to everyone, all the Bury fans and everyone that’s supported me all my career. So, a massive thank you.”