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Wisbech new boss Mettam aiming to steady the ship




New Wisbech Town manager Leon Mettam has spoken of the huge task ahead of him after being appointed less than three weeks before the new United Counties League campaign starts.

The former Lincoln City, King’s Lynn Town and Spalding striker was appointed on Monday after former boss Allan Ross sensationally quit.

Mettam (35) takes over the reigns with assistant Danny Brooks, a powerful midfielder who counts Grantham and Stamford among his previous clubs.

Leon Mettam playing for King's Lynn in 2017 (57921163)
Leon Mettam playing for King's Lynn in 2017 (57921163)

Brooks will be part of the playing squad, while Mettam may make appearances from the bench.

Mettam, a roofer by trade, was assistant manager at Frickley Athletic last season, and joins the Fenmen with only goalkeeper Luke Pearson remaining from last season’s squad.

He told the Citizen: “I’m starting off four weeks behind so it is a huge job.

Assistant player/manager Danny Brooks (57921165)
Assistant player/manager Danny Brooks (57921165)

“Players have already committed to other clubs for the new season and they will all be expecting to play at the moment.

“It’s not until that fall out, when some of them realise they won’t be in the team, that we can start picking up players.

“Having said that, this is a great opportunity for me, to join a great club like Wisbech for my first job as a gaffer.

“I have great contacts, I know players, managers and agents, it’s just a tough time to start.

“It may take until Christmas to get the team that I want on the pitch. It may be that we have to play some reserves in the team until we get players in.

“I hope the fans will understand that it may be tricky to start with. There’s nothing wrong with the budget, but players are fixed. If I’d had this budget four weeks ago, we would be extremely competitive.

“I want to get everyone back on side, prove my worth and move on from there.

“There’s been a lot of tough times at this club lately and I’m hoping to come in and steady the ship.

“I’m as ambitious as the chairman is and I really believe I can take this club forward.”

Lincoln-based Mettam has plenty of good mentors, having played under former Fenmen boss Gary Setchell, ex-King’s Lynn manager Ian Culverhouse, Dave Frecklington and Graham Drury.

“At the moment I will work hard with the players we have and keep trying hard to get lads in,” he added.

Chairman Paul Brenchley told the Citizen: “This is the best thing that’s happened to the club for a long time. Leon has good contacts and will be able to bring decent players in.”

Brenchley said Mettam comes recommended by Setchell, adding: “Gary is convinced that Leo will give us the stability we need going forward.”

  • Wisbech are at home to Swaffham Town in a friendly on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
  • In the Izuzu FA Vase, Wisbech have been drawn at home to Eynesbury Rovers in the 2nd Qualifying Round on September 24, both clubs having received a bye in the 1st Qualifying Round.
  • The draw for the Emirates FA Cup sees the Fenmen entertain Ely City in the Extra Preliminary Round on August 6, with the winners away to either Kempston Rovers or Long Melford in the Preliminary Round on August 20.


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