Emley AFC are delighted to confirm that club captain Alex Metcalfe has re-signed for the 2025/26 season, extending his remarkable spell at the club into a seventh year.

The 30-year-old midfielder has made over 200 appearances for the Pewits, becoming a central figure both on and off the pitch a role he’s proud to continue.

He said: “For me, it was a straightforward decision to stay at Emley for another season,” Metcalfe said. “I know the club inside out now. I understand what the management are trying to achieve, and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the journey for the past six or seven years.”

In an era where non-league players regularly move between clubs, Metcalfe’s long-standing commitment speaks volumes about the club’s environment and ambition.

He said: “Staying at one club and hitting that kind of milestone says a lot about the culture here. It’s a testament to the ambition of the club and how we’re always striving for more.”

Emley has been through some recent years of growth, including a promotion campaign that fulfilled a five-year plan, Metcalfe has seen the club evolve significantly.

He commented: “This is a proper football club. Everything is run the right way. There’s a strong foundation, a one-club mentality, and a vision that everyone is pulling towards.”

With recent ground developments and improvements off the pitch, Metcalfe believes the ambition shown by the board and volunteers should be matched on it.

“If we don’t back that up with results, we risk falling short of where we want to be. In my opinion, this club should be one or two leagues higher.” he said.

In what was Emley’s first season back at Step 4, the club made an immediate impact, mounting a title challenge and eventually securing a play-off spot, only to fall short against Dunston in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on the game and last season, Metcalfe added: “If you’d offered us a play-off place at the start of the season, we’d have taken it. But as the season developed, we should have shifted our mindset and really gone for promotion. That’s something we’ll learn from.”

Metcalfe praised Cleethorpes, who ultimately won the league, but felt Emley could have applied more pressure had they maintained form in the second half of the season.

The squad endured some tough periods during the run-in, particularly with injuries to key players, a congested fixture list, and a shortage of goals.

He said: “We lost big players like Ruben and Wally, who scored over 100 goals between them the season before. The lads brought in to replace them were really unlucky with injuries and suspensions. It left us short at crucial moments.”

Metcalfe believes squad depth and attacking reinforcement will be vital for the season ahead. With a solid foundation and a growing fanbase behind them, Metcalfe is clear about the club’s ambitions for 2025/26.

“You’ve always got to aim higher. We finished in the play-offs, so the next step is to either finish higher in those places or push for the title. We know we’re capable of it.

“Personally, I just want to play well, stay fit, and contribute to the team’s success. If I can help drive us forward, I’ll be happy.”

Being captain of Emley AFC is a responsibility Metcalfe doesn’t take lightly, and he’s full of praise for the people who make the club special.

He said: “It’s a huge honour to be captain here. The fans, the volunteers, the board, everyone is switched on and working together. You don’t get that everywhere, especially in non-league.”

The Pewits' supporters have been with the team every step of the way, and their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“They’ve been brilliant. Travelling midweek up to the North East, packing out the home end, it makes a real difference. I hope we can reward them with something even bigger next season.”

With the captain back on board and lessons from last season firmly in mind, the Pewits look ready to write another exciting chapter and Metcalfe will be right at the heart of it.

Thank you Benson & Jones who have already agreed to sponsor Metty for 2025/26.