Carlisle boss Curle delighted as he swoops for Cobblers ace Adams

The Cumbrians boss says he has been tracking Adams for a long time, and that he tried to sign the player last summer and also in the January transfer window.

The Carlisle management and Adams and his representatives have been in talks for the past week, with Adams keen to move closer to his family who live in the north west of England.

Curle was desperate to keep those discussions quiet, as he believes if it had become knowledge Adams might be open to a move then ‘every club in league two’ and ‘a large percentage of those in league one’ would have tried to sign him.

Adams, who is 29, has signed a two-year deal at Brunton Park, and Curle is delighted to have finally got his man.

“We tried getting Nicky in January and had conversations with his agent and Northampton,” Curle told newsandstar.co.uk

“There was potential interest because of the situation Northampton were in with their ownership issues - people not being paid, a lack of stability and we saw it as a chance to potentially invest in one of their players.

“In the event their situation got sorted out and they were able to go on a fantastic run that saw them win the division.

“But we made good contacts and links which we were able to continue now.

“Nicky is at a good age, is a very mature young lad but still has a thirst and desire to play football which is evident in the meetings I’ve had with him.

“A lot of people will turn round and say ‘how have you got him’? We’ve kept it in-house as much as we can. I don’t think a lot of people will have known his availability.

“If it had been broadcasted, probably every team in League Two would have looked to acquire his services, and a large percentage in League One would have gladly signed him.

“I think it’s a massive step in the right direction for us.”