Following an injury effected 93/94 campaign, Daws signed a full-time contract with the Shakers and became an integral part of the club's rise to the 2nd flight of English football.
Following relegation to Division 2, Daws was appointed Captain, but due to financial problems at Bury, they struggled to maintain a promotion challenge.
The 2000–01 season proved to the last of his 9 years at Gigg Lane and in July, a move to the newly promoted Rotherham United gave Nick the chance to return to the Championship, signing a 3-year contract.
Daws signed for The Millers on a free transfer at the start of the 2001–02 campaign and slotted straight into his usual position, playing under his new manager Ronnie Moore.
Having graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BSc in Sport Science, he became fitness coach under Ronnie Moore, remaining in the same position under Mick Harford.
Having gained his UEFA A Licence and following 2 successful campaigns, Daws joined Barnsley in the same role, when Rotherham manager Mark Robins was appointed the same position at Oakwell.
On 18 January 2016, Robins and his assistant David Kelly were sacked by Scunthorpe United, Daws and Andy Dawson were put in temporary charge.
[7] On 30 January 2021, Daws and Hodges left their roles at AFC Wimbledon by mutual consent following a defeat to bitter rivals Milton Keynes Dons.