We can confirm that captain Nicky Adams has left the club to rejoin Bury, a move which sees the midfielder link up with a side that he made over 150 appearances for during his professional career.
Nicky signed under the management of Bobby Grant in June 2022, immediately becoming captain of the club upon his arrival and went on to play just under 50 games in his first season, gaining 16 assists as the Boro narrowly missed out on the play-offs. There was some success however, with the capture of the Manchester Premier Cup after a 3-0 victory over Wythenshawe Town in the final.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Radcliffe created history by becoming Champions of the NPL Premier Division under Nicky’s captaincy, once again playing almost every game and providing 17 assists, whilst also scoring on two occasions. Nicky continued to set the standard both on and off the field, as well as being a hugely popular and influential figure to the Boro faithful.
A rare injury gave the captain a minor set back at the beginning of this season, Radcliffe’s first ever in the National League North, but once he returned with a substitute cameo against Warrington Town in the FA Cup, he immediately picked up where he left off with his trademark crosses into the box and being an ever-present reliability in the centre of the park.
Overall, Nicky featured 101 times for the Boro, scoring two goals and providing 32 assists for his teammates, with further accolades including four Player of the Match awards, one Player of the Month award, two inclusions in the NPL Team of the Season, and the 2022/23 Player of the Season award.
He will forever be remembered for his substantial contributions to the club both on and off the pitch, and everyone at Radcliffe thanks him for his two and a half years whilst proudly wearing our badge on his chest.
Nicky has penned a written statement to reflect on his time at the Neuven Stadium.
‘What can I say, it’s been an unbelievable two and a half years at Radcliffe. From the first conversation I had with Marcus and Paul back in 2022, I was immediately sold on the project they put before me here, and what we’ve done is something very special.
Myself and the lads were absolutely gutted to miss out on the play-offs in my first season after working so hard throughout the campaign, but we then kicked on in the second season, with the gaffers and all of the talented players they brought in, and created history this year.
I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my time at Radcliffe, I’ve met friends and made memories for life that I’ll be able to cherish forever. I’m so happy to have played a part in this incredible club’s history, and I hope I made everyone proud.
At the stage of my career that I’m at, it feels like the right time to do this and leave on good terms. Returning to Bury is an opportunity for myself to go full circle after starting my career there at the age of 16, which is something not a lot of players get to do.
I want to thank every player, past or present that I’ve shared the changing rooms with here, and all of the staff in the dugout and behind the scenes, none of this would’ve been possible without them. They have, and continue to be a key part of our success over the last few seasons.
Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to the fans. It’s been an unbelievable journey for me being at this football club, from where the club was to where it is now is incredible, and hearing the Radcliffe fans chant my name every week was a really special feeling. Stay behind the boys and continue to be their 12th man, again, I hope I did you all proud.
Nicky’
Nicky and his family will always be welcome back at the Neuven Stadium, he will go down in history as one of the club’s greatest ever captains.
Thank you for everything, Nicky.