He is fondly remembered at Steel Park, having begun his playing career at the club, where he won the ‘Golden Boot’ and was Supporters’ Player of the Year in the 2008-2009 season, after netting more than 20 goals.

“Corby Town and I go a long way back, so this is a fantastic opportunity,” says Metts.

“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.

“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,” adds Metts. “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.”

Metts will be assisted by Danny Brooks, who also recently signed a permanent contract, bringing more stability to the dressing room at Steel Park.

In tandem with this, two player signings have been announced – Wiktor Gromek and Milai Perott.

Club chairman Chris Mallender says: “Metts brought huge drive, enthusiasm and flair to the club as a player and he will bring the same attributes as a manager.

“We see this as the start of a long-term relationship, fulfilling our shared ambition to steer Corby Town FC back to where it belongs in the National League North.

“We’re also thrilled that Brooksy has become our Permanent Assistant Manager. He has huge talent, knowledge and skills.

“Both men work incredibly hard, are full of ideas, and their ambition dovetails exactly with the vision of the club’s new owners.”

Craig Nolan, who founded the Corby-based business Interkey and is one of the new owners, says: “We acquired the club when it was going through a difficult period, but we are committed to making the necessary investment to secure on-pitch success, plus improve the hospitality and leisure offering at Steel Park.

“This an ambitious, long-term project, so we are asking everyone who loves the club to be supportive and patient while we implement the changes.”

From left: Paul Holden (First Team Coach); Metts (First Team Manager); Chris Mallender (Chairman); Brooksy (Assistant First Team Manager). Photo by Jim Darrah.