Today, we celebrate the career of Nicky Adams, a true Northampton Town legend. After a remarkable 22-year football career, Nicky will hang up his boots at the end of the season to take up a full-time coaching role. We take a look back at his memorable time with the Cobblers.
Nicky first joined Northampton Town on May 22, 2015, when Chris Wilder brought him to Sixfields for an undisclosed fee. He made an immediate impact, debuting at The Memorial Stadium with a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers, where John-Joe O’Toole scored the only goal of the game. Always fully committed, Nicky received a yellow card in the 25th minute and played 88 strong minutes before being substituted for Paul Corry.
His first goal in Cobblers colors came later that October at Sixfields, scoring directly from a corner against Hartlepool United. Earlier in the match, he also assisted Marc Richards’ opener — a glimpse of the creativity and energy Nicky would bring game after game.
After impressing on debut, Nicky went on to start the next 30 consecutive league matches, a testament to his consistency and reliability. During the unforgettable 2015/16 season, when Northampton were crowned League Two champions, Nicky missed just two league games and was involved in only five league defeats all season.
He also made his mark in cup competitions, playing in all four FA Cup matches that season. He notably assisted in the famous 2-1 win over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena and played a vital role in the thrilling comeback victory over Northwich Victoria.
Nicky’s first spell ended fittingly — assisting in the Cobblers’ final match of the title-winning season, a 2-1 victory at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park. In total during his first stint, he made 45 appearances, scored 3 goals, and provided 15 assists.
Following that success, Nicky moved to Carlisle United to link up with Keith Curle. However, the story wasn’t finished.
On June 5, 2019, Nicky Adams returned home to Northampton, signing a three-year deal after leaving Bury following their troubled season. His second debut came in the 2019/20 season opener against Walsall — a 1-0 defeat — but, as always, Nicky’s influence quickly grew.
His first assist of the new campaign came on matchday eleven at the Globe Arena in a 2-2 draw, and his first goal arrived during the FA Cup Round Three clash with Burton Albion in a thrilling 4-2 victory. He scored inside 10 minutes and added an assist just before halftime.
A true fighter and leader, Nicky was pivotal in the Cobblers’ playoff success that season, playing over 207 minutes across the semi-finals and the final at Wembley. Although forced off through injury early in the final, his contributions were crucial to securing another historic promotion.
In December 2020, Nicky celebrated his 100th appearance for Northampton in a penalty shootout victory over Stevenage in the Papa John’s Trophy — a landmark achievement that further cemented his place in club history.
Across his two spells with the Cobblers, Nicky Adams made 124 appearances, scored 6 goals, and registered an incredible 31 assists.
Two spells. Two promotions. Countless memories.
A true Cobblers legend.
Thank you, Nicky Adams.