Mettam ‘excited’ by Steelmen ‘vision and ambition’ as he lands top job on permanent basis

And the 39-year-old stated he is 'excited' by the 'vision and ambition' of the club.

Mettam had been in interim charge since just before Christmas, taking over the reins after the departure of Gary Setchell following a 30 per cent cut in the playing budget.

Setchell and a host of key first team players walked away from Steel Park in the wake of the club's decision, with Mettam then stepping in and having an instant impact as a depleted Steelmen won his first game in charge, 1-0 at Bourne on Boxing Day.

They followed that up with a 3-1 defeat to AFC Rushden & Diamonds on New Year's Day, but Mettam has been busy restructuring the squad, and last week it was announced eight players had signed on.

The new-look Corby team is on the road to take on second-placed Belper Town in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division on Saturday (ko 3pm), and a delighted Mettam can't wait to get properly stuck into the Steelmen top job.

“I am extremely proud and grateful to be confirmed as the permanent manager of Corby Town," Mettam told @corbytownfc.

"From the moment I stepped into the role, I have felt the trust and backing of the club, and I’m pleased that the work we have started has been recognised.

“I’ve had very positive and constructive conversations with the board, and the vision and ambition they have outlined for the future of the club is exciting.

"There is a real sense of momentum building, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in delivering that vision.

“This is a club moving in the right direction, and I’m proud to lead from the front.

"I look forward to continuing to work hard for the supporters and to feeling their passion and backing as we take the next steps together.”

A club statement on Mettam's appoitnment as boss at Jimmy Kane Way read: "Leon stepped into the role last month and has made an immediate impact, taking on the significant challenge of rebuilding the squad at short notice.

"Despite the difficulties of assembling a competitive group mid-season, Leon has demonstrated tireless work ethic and determination, successfully putting together a squad capable of competing while continuing to engage with a number of key targets to further strengthen the team.

“Leon was thrown straight in at the deep end, but from day one he embraced the challenge with energy, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the club.

"The work he has done in a short space of time has been exceptional, and that effort was rewarded with a strong victory in his first match in charge.

“Throughout our discussions, Leon has consistently demonstrated his passion and dedication, keeping us fully informed of progress with recruitment and working relentlessly around the clock to move the club forward.

"That level of commitment deserves to be matched by the club, and we are delighted to confirm Leon as our manager through to the end of the 2026/27 season.”

Mettam, a former Corby Town player, previously had a spell as player-manager at Wisbech Town in the 2022/23 season.