Wigan Athletic’s backroom reshuffle under new manager Gary Caldwell led to another departure, but coach Nicky Adams has been quick to secure a return to the game with Radcliffe.
Adams had linked up with Wigan earlier this season to work alongside former team-mate Ryan Lowe at the Brick Community Stadium. That move came after he had been part of Oldham Athletic’s promotion-winning campaign last term, helping the Latics secure a play-off final success and a return to the Football League. His coaching pathway began in Oldham’s youth ranks before stepping into the senior environment, and his reunion with Lowe at Wigan was viewed as a logical progression within the EFL.
However, Lowe’s exit earlier this month prompted significant change. Caldwell has since been appointed to lead Wigan forward in League One, and a new-look coaching structure is now being assembled. As part of that reset, Adams has moved on, bringing his brief spell with the Latics to a close.
The 39-year-old now returns to Radcliffe, a club where he made more than 100 appearances as a player and captained the side to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title in 2023/24. That triumph secured promotion to the National League North and marked a major milestone in the club’s modern history, representing a return to Step 2 football after a 20-year absence.
Radcliffe are currently fourth in the National League North table with 52 points from 32 matches, sitting behind South Shields, AFC Fylde and Merthyr Town. They are level on points with Kidderminster Harriers and firmly in the play-off positions as the campaign enters a decisive phase. A recent victory at Chorley maintained their momentum, and they host Peterborough Sports next as they look to keep pace with the division’s frontrunners.
Adams will support Bernard Morley, who recently signed a new contract running until the summer of 2028. Morley had been operating in a joint-manager role alongside Anthony Johnson before Johnson departed to take charge at Bury, prompting a reshuffle within Radcliffe’s own structure.
Speaking on 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.”
Adams Focus Now
With Adams gone, the focus now turns to stability under Caldwell as Wigan navigate the remainder of their League One campaign. However, Adams hasn’t been out of work long, and that usually signifies a good coach, respected in the business.
For Radcliffe, meanwhile, the addition of a promotion-winning captain with recent EFL coaching experience represents a timely boost as they continue their push for further progress in the National League North.