Adam was recruited from Gateshead College and joined the club for the first time in July 2010, having previously played for Durham County youths and Chester-le-Street-based Chester Town.
A year older than his fellow recruits, he had also had spells with the Academies at Newcastle United and Hartlepool.
Although primarily a defender, Adam caught the headlines with a hat-trick for Steve Agnew's second string in a totesport.com League game at hometown Gateshead in April 2011.
Days later he travelled with the first team to Hull City as part of the squad for the 4-2 win at the KC Stadium, although he didn't make the bench.
But 48 hours later he was included among the substitutes for the 2-1 win over Coventry City at the Riverside, when fellow Academy defender Ben Gibson made his debut as a replacement for Andrew Davies.
Adam made his debut in the final game of the 2010/11 season in a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers at the Riverside. A 53rd-minute replacement for Barry Robson, he marked his introduction into first team football with a goal in the 90th minute.
