Here’s one we missed regarding ex-Imps over Christmas – former academy product Leon Mettam has grabbed his second management role.
Corby Town confirmed the appointment of Mettam as interim manager, with the former Steelmen striker returning to Steel Park to take charge of first-team affairs.
Mettam steps into the role having previously enjoyed a prolific playing spell with Corby Town, where he established himself as a firm supporters’ favourite. After beginning his senior career as a youngster at Lincoln City, he went on to make his name in non-league football, scoring regularly for Corby during the 2008–09 season and earning the club’s Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
Following his departure from Steel Park, Mettam represented a number of Step Two and Step Three clubs, including Gainsborough Trinity, Worksop Town, Tamworth and King’s Lynn Town. He later combined playing with coaching responsibilities, first as player-assistant manager at Frickley Athletic and then as player-manager at Wisbech Town during the 2022–23 campaign. His most recent spell saw him return to Skegness Town before this latest move into management.
In announcing the appointment, Corby Town highlighted Mettam’s strong connection with the club and his understanding of its culture, as well as his recent managerial experience at non-league level.
Speaking following his return to Steel Park, Mettam said:
“Corby Town and I go a long way back. I arrived here as a raw teenager looking for an opportunity and left as Supporters’ Player of the Year, which really kick-started my career.
“When I became aware of this opportunity, a few conversations quickly made it clear that this was a chance I wanted to take, returning to the dugout at a well-established club with a fantastic fan base.
“I’ve faced tough challenges before. My first management role saw me take a squad into a new season with just one player, and we still achieved a mid-table finish in a very competitive league.
“I’m excited to get started. I know it won’t be easy, but there’s a real opportunity here to get the club back on track, build for the future and, in time, get Corby Town challenging again.”
Mettam will be assisted by Danny Brooks, and he took charge of his first match on Boxing Day, when Corby Town faced Bourne Town, winning 1-0. Another ex-Imp, Bruno Andrade, helped inflict defeat in his second game, going down 3-1 to AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
Mettam at City
Leon was always one of those who fans felt could take off, and he even scored after graduating from the academy, which was more than some of our young strikers.
He first broke into the senior picture during the 2005–06 season, with his early progress raising hopes that a new home-grown forward was emerging. He made his first-team debut in January 2006 but then had to wait almost ten months for further opportunities. When his chance came, he made an immediate impact, scoring in a 5-0 victory away at Barnet.
He enjoyed a short run in the side before finding first-team involvement limited once more, with his final appearance coming in February 2007. Introduced as a 69th-minute substitute in a 4-1 defeat, Mettam was shown a straight red card ten minutes later, bringing his Lincoln City career to an abrupt end.
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