Former Lincoln City striker Leon Mettam has been appointed permanent first-team manager of Corby Town following eight months in interim charge.
The Steelmen confirmed that Mettam has signed a permanent contract at Steel Park, having initially returned to the club as interim manager in December. Danny Brooks, who has worked alongside him throughout that period, has also agreed terms to remain as assistant manager.
Mettam has a long association with Corby, having enjoyed one of the most productive spells of his playing career there. He scored 23 league goals in 35 appearances during the 2008/09 season, helping the club win the Southern League Premier Division title while also collecting the Golden Boot and Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
“Corby Town and I go a long way back, so this is a fantastic opportunity,” said Mettam.
“This is a football-mad town and I want to bring back the feel-good factor and put smiles back on fans’ faces. I was fortunate enough to have played at Corby during a Championship season, so I know how good it can be. If we can get the wheels really turning again, this can be a huge club.”
The appointment comes during a period of significant change at Steel Park, with Corby recently coming under new ownership. The club have endured a difficult opening to the season, losing their first three league fixtures and suffering an early FA Cup exit against Basford United.
Mettam accepts that reversing those fortunes will require patience, but he has outlined his intention to build an attacking side capable of eventually challenging towards the upper reaches of the non-league pyramid.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve great results from day one, but turning the team’s fortunes around will inevitably take time. The club went through a challenging period, but we have a long-term plan to bolster the squad and achieve success.
“I’d like us to be a passing, fluid side that plays attractive, attacking football. We’ve had a challenging start in the league, but with the club under new ownership, we are putting the building blocks in place to have a winning team. I love this club, and it’s thrilling to see a sense of belief coming back to the players and fans.”
Chairman Chris Mallender described the appointments of Mettam and Brooks as the beginning of a long-term relationship, with Corby harbouring ambitions of eventually returning to National League North level. New owner Craig Nolan has also promised investment in the playing side and improvements to the hospitality and leisure facilities at Steel Park.
Mettam At Lincoln City
Born in Lincoln, Mettam progressed through City’s academy before making his senior debut during the 2005/06 season. He made six appearances in all competitions for the Imps, scoring his only first-team goal in a 5-0 victory away at Barnet in November 2006.
His final City appearance came as a substitute during a 4-1 defeat at Hereford in February 2007. He was dismissed shortly after entering the game and subsequently moved into non-league football, where he established a reputation as a prolific goalscorer.
As well as Corby, the former forward represented Stamford, Gainsborough Trinity, Worksop Town, Tamworth, King’s Lynn Town, Spalding United and Skegness Town. He later moved into coaching with Frickley Athletic before receiving his first managerial opportunity as player-manager of Wisbech Town in 2022.
Mettam now has the chance to build something more permanent at a club where he remains fondly remembered from his playing days. His first competitive fixture since signing his new contract is scheduled to be Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Stafford Rangers.
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