Wigan Athletic’s restructuring under Gary Caldwell has resulted in Nicky Adams departing the League One club, but he’s quickly back in football with a return to Radcliffe.
Adams had arrived at the Brick Community Stadium earlier this season to join the coaching team assembled by Ryan Lowe. The pair were former team-mates, and the move represented the next step in Adams’ developing coaching career following his time at Oldham Athletic. At Boundary Park, he progressed from youth duties into the senior setup and was part of the staff that oversaw a successful play-off campaign, culminating in promotion back to the Football League.
Lowe’s departure earlier this month, however, triggered a broader reset at Wigan. Caldwell has since taken charge and is now shaping his own backroom structure as the Latics look to climb the League One table. Adams is one of the figures to move on as part of that transition.
The 39-year-old now heads back to Radcliffe, a club closely associated with a significant chapter of his playing career. He made more than 100 appearances there and captained the side to the 2023/24 Northern Premier League Premier Division title. That success secured promotion to the National League North and marked Radcliffe’s return to Step 2 football after two decades away.
Delighted to secure a return
Adams will work alongside Bernard Morley, who recently committed his future to the Neuven Stadium with a contract running until 2028. Morley had previously shared managerial duties with Anthony Johnson before Johnson left to take over at Bury, prompting adjustments within Radcliffe’s technical team.
Speaking about his return, Adams said:
“I’m delighted to return to a club that I have a great relationship with, and have nothing but happy memories, “I wanted to get straight back into it and it was a perfect opportunity for me to do that, “As I did as a player I’ll do as a coach, and that’s to give absolutely everything to help us all be successful.”
Radcliffe currently sit fourth in the National League North standings with 52 points from 32 matches, firmly positioned in the play-off places. They remain in touch with the leading trio of South Shields, AFC Fylde and Merthyr Town, while level on points with fifth-placed Kidderminster Harriers. A recent victory at Chorley strengthened their position, and they now prepare to host Peterborough Sports as the promotion race intensifies.
While Wigan focus on building momentum under Caldwell in League One, Radcliffe have added recent EFL experience to their staff at a pivotal stage of the season. With promotion ambitions very much alive in the National League North, the timing of Adams’ arrival could prove significant for the run-in.
