Nicky Adams backing Cobblers to shine in Sky Bet League One

Adams surprisingly left Sixfields last week when he signed for league two outfit Carlisle United having played just one season in the claret and white.

He played a major part in the Cobblers racing to the Sky Bet League Two title by a massive 13-point margin, and he says new manager Rob Page has a great chance to carry that form into the new campaign.

Even taking Adams’ departure into account, the bulk of that title-wining squad is still at Sixfields and under contract, and the 29-year-old says Page is not going to have to add too much to ensure Northampton are competitive at the next level up.

“You look at the team we had last season, although obviously I have left now and somebody else will have to come in,” said Adams.

“I am sure the new gaffer has his own ideas and he can bring some good players that add to the squad, but I don’t think it needs too much tinkering because the standard of play there is phenomenal.

“Not just how good they are at football, but also what good characters they are.

“The players work so hard and I think, if they keep the team together, they can have a real go at it in league one.

“It is a sort of mini Championship, and a lot of the teams will let you have the ball, and yes, if you make a mistake they are more likely to punish you, but that is the only difference.

“I think the lads Northamtpon have got, there are some unbelievable players there, if they keep that together then I don’t see any reason why they can’t be at the top end of the table.”

Adams has now won promotion two seasons on the trot, and then immediately left the club he won those promotions with.

His decision to quit Sixfields comes 12 months after Bury told the player he was surplus to requirements at Gigg Lane, and the player admits the fact he has left Cobblers and is facing another season in league two is a huge frustration for him.

“The big negative for me was not going back into league one, because I have played a lot of my career there,” said Adams, who has previously played at league one level for Leicester City, Crawley Town, Rochdale, Rotherham United and Brentford.

“It is a very good league, there are some unbelievable teams in it next season, and I think it’s exciting times for the Northampton fans who are now in the league they deserve to be in.

“It is unfortunate for me, because the last couple of years I have been in promotion-winning teams, and then had managers leaving, different staff coming in or whatever.

“But everybody who knows me knows I am happy-go-lucky, and as long as I am playing football then I am happy.”