Pic: Mike Capps
CORBY TOWN are hoping lightning strikes twice after they were moved back into the Evo-Stik NPL Premier following another reshuffle throughout the Non-League Pyramid.
With Evesham winning an appeal against their move into the NPL Division One South, Corby were shifted back north from the Southern Premier, while Stamford were sent back down to Step 4.
While league changes this close to pre-season are never ideal, Corby have some ‘previous’ in the matter and boss Tommy Wright, pictured above right, says it’s no surprise they’ve suffered again.
Two summers ago, the Steelmen were moved from the Southern League to the Northern Premier, before going back south again.
The result that season? The Southern Premier title following a final-day victory over rivals Poole Town. How Wright would love a repeat of that!
Targets
“I’d signed five lads before we initially got moved into the Southern, so they’re probably happy we’re back in the Northern now,” he said. “I’ve been quite lucky, recruitment wise, that it hasn’t caused a lot of problems for me.
“We got messed around two summers ago but ended up winning the league. People keep talking about targets, but I know you’re only as good as your last game – we lost 5-0!
“The slate has been wiped clean and we’ll be going back to basics. I feel like I’ve got to prove myself again and I’m determined to do that.”
The biggest loss from the move back north is the derby games against Northamptonshire rivals Kettering Town.
“I think both sets of supporters will be disappointed,” Wright added. “We seem to face Kettering every season in the local cups and it’s not really the same as a league game.
“It would have been mouthwatering, but unfortunately it’s not meant to be. The Northern Premier is a bit of an unknown to me and the club. It’s a different challenge.”
The Steelmen are back at Step 3 following just one season in the National League North. Despite starting the season six games unbeaten, Corby ended up finishing bottom of the table and 14 points adrift of safety.
Mentality
Wright, who runs the club’s academy full-time, is building a younger and hungrier squad this summer, insisting he has learned from his mistakes.
He also hopes a move to daytime training will lead to more professionalism and, crucially, a better team spirit in the dressing room.
“From October onwards, last season was a disaster and there’s no hiding behind that,” the former Leicester City, Blackpool, Barnsley and Darlington striker said.
“Whether it was the Northern or Southern League, we had to get back the right mentality and almost start again.
“We’ve decided to train in the mornings. I want young lads who are hungry and I want football to be their priority.
“We’ll be doing at least two mornings with double sessions and I’m really looking forward to it. The team spirit was poor last year and, with the lads in at the club longer, I’m confident that won’t be a problem next season.”
