Nicky Adams on scoring a special goal against Doncaster
Every now and then something crops up in a post-match interview which takes your breath away and that was the case on Tuesday night when Nicky Adams sat down with the press to explain the 'heart' celebration he'd used following his stunning strike in the first half of the game against Doncaster Rovers.Expecting a Valentine's Day related anecdote, you could quite literally hear a pin drop as the proud midfielder revealed to the journalists that the gesture had been directed at his father Terry, up in Carlisle to watch his son play in the game, and who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment as he battles bowel cancer.
"I’m delighted with the goal and it was particularly nice because my Dad came to the match and he’s been battling bowel cancer all year," he said. "He hasn’t been able to get to a game since the Port Vale match early on in the season. It's been frustrating for him because he follows me up and down the country.
"Him and my Uncle Frankie come everywhere, but my Dad hasn’t been able to do that this season. He’s getting a bit better now and we’ve been trying to help him get out of the house. He’s getting there with it all, he’s had a few complications, but he’s only got a couple of chemo sessions left and hopefully he’s through the horrible side of things. I was delighted to score in front of him."
"The last time I scored I had to do a stupid dance that Danny Grainger had picked so I wanted to do a little love heart for my Dad tonight," he revealed. "I’ve just seen him outside and he’s got a massive smile on his face.
"I’ve given him the watch I got for getting Man of the Match as well, so he’ll be happy with that. He’s been battling cancer all year and it’s hampered him because he loves football. To score in front of him was a really proud moment for myself and I do hope he enjoyed it."
Adding to the feeling of pride at bagging one of the best goals he'll ever score, to set United on their way to an important win, was the fact that he was also able to wave at his girlfriend [Megan] during the celebration as she accompanied the family to the game.
"It’s Valentine’s Day and it's nice that my girlfriend is here," he said. "Scoring for her was the best present she could have, I think.
"She’s pregnant as well [baby girl due in May] so it’s just nice for them to all come to a game and for me to score in front of them. It made it feel very special with everyone being there."
Speaking about the goal itself, he said: "It was just one of those things. It was a great ball in from John [O’Sullivan] and I thought - if this comes near me, I’m in. It fell perfectly but it’s one where sometimes it goes into the car park. I got good contact on it and it flew into the top corner.
"It feels like I’ve had so many chances this season so it's nice to get another goal. I’ve had them cleared off the line or the keeper has made an unbelievable save and, even though we don't use the word unlucky, you do think that on another day one or two would have hit the net.
"I don’t dwell on goals, to be honest. It's one thing I’ve always wanted to improve, but as long as I’m playing well with a smile on my face and creating chances for the team, I’m happy. If I can keep doing that and chip in with a few more goals I’d be more than happy."
"The most important thing is the team," he continued. "The win was massive. We needed a reaction and I think we got that. The crowd were behind us for the whole game and I think they saw we were at it from minute one against a very good side.
"The fans have been unbelievable from the minute I signed. The amount of messages I got sent was unbelievable and I think that came from them remembering me coming here and playing well before, so that was nice.
"They’ve made me feel at home and I love playing here. I have an arrogance when I play, but I’m not that sort of lad. When I play I just want to be the best on the pitch. That’s just the way I am, so when the fans get behind me it's because they know I’m always trying to do the right things.
"They’ve stuck by us through thick and thin. The atmosphere tonight was brilliant. Everyone was disappointed on Saturday, it was flat, and we got punished for some bad mistakes.
"There was a smaller crowd but it didn’t feel like it. They were right behind us all night and it made for a great atmosphere. When we perform like that and they get behind us it can feel like there’s 8 or 9,000 here. It’s brilliant and long may it continue."
PlayerHD subscribers can see an interview with Nicky Adams now. Click HERE to go to the PlayerHD platform. Follow the same link for more information on United PlayerHD, and to subscribe.
Part two of this interview will be on the official website later today.
