'I love Nicky' - Curle showers praise on departing Adams

Keith Curle admits he could not guarantee Nicky Adams a new long-term contract despite his huge respect for Town's departing captain.

The 34-year-old made a surprise exit from the Cobblers last Friday when he returned north to sign for Oldham Athletic on an 18-month deal.

Adams played at right-back and captained the Latics on his debut 24 hours later, and it will not shock Town fans to learn that he created the winning goal against high-flying Newport County.

Curle and Adams have a close relationship but that alone was not enough to keep the two together at Northampton 18 months after reuniting.

"In footballing terms, I love Nicky Adams," said Curle. "Not just his ability but also his personality and the respect he has for his profession.

"I think he's been a credit to himself, his family and also to us as a football club in everything he does and how he conducts himself. He's been excellent."

Now 34, Adams would have been out of contract in the summer so the offer of a longer deal at Oldham was too good to turn down.

"Nicky has got a responsibility and he has a young family and he was given an opportunity of an 18-month contract," Curle added. "Had it been any less than that, he would still be here.

"But we're mindful of the fact that Nicky has a family to look after and he was offered a contract elsewhere and I wasn't able to offer an 18-month contract when we had the conversation in my office.

"Nicky wants to play week in, week out and even though we do have a very good relationship, that wouldn't stop Nicky - and it didn't stop him - coming into my office to demand to know why he wasn't playing.

"Out of respect, not just for Nicky but all the players, when they ask a question, they get told why. Sometimes they agree and understand, sometimes they're disappointed and frustrated and don't agree.

"That's what I'm paid to do - to be honest and give them the truth because that's what their careers deserve. Sometimes they are told they won't be playing as many games as they think or want to be playing.

"Nicky sent messages to all the staff and he sent a special message to the chairman as well to thank him for his understanding and being respectful about Nicky's decision to go back and play up north again."