“He’s here, he’s there and he’s got ginger hair; Steve Towers, Steve Towers.” The chant has become synonymous with the Steelmen faithful, with Corby’s all-round midfielder Towers the object of their affection. The Wigston-born number 8 joined an elite group of Steelmen earlier this season when he was here and there for the 200th time in Corby Town colours against FC Halifax.

Steve Towers was given his first taste of senior football as a teenager by former Steelmen manager Lee Adam at Oadby Town. He went onto join Rothwell in 2004 where his impressive form caught the eye of Corby Town boss Rob Dunion. After protracted contract discussions, Towers made his Corby debut against Bath City in the Southern League Premier Division on Saturday 19^th August 2006.

“I have to be honest, my debut was a bit of a let-down,” Towers admits. “The club had just got promoted to the Southern Premier and Bath were just too good for us. But the club has come a long way from then.”

Since Towers made his debut in 2006, there has been a lot of change at Corby Town, but according to the midfielder, it’s all positive.

“The club has changed massively from when I made my debut. It’s a lot more professional now and really feels like a proper football club. You get the sense that the club wants to go places, and the only way is up. For a while we were just content with surviving, but now we’re aiming a lot higher.

“A lot of that is down to all the people involved at the club, but I think the manager has had a bit part to play too. We’re a lot closer as a team this time around, last season something just didn’t work. But the gaffer’s worked hard in pre-season and as a result we’ve all gelled really well. You look forward to coming in, playing and training, which is a great thing. It wasn’t always like that.”

Towers has been a permanent fixture in Drury’s Corby side since his debut, even scoring in the game against Banbury that saw the Steelmen get promoted to the Conference North in April 2009.

“I’ve got great memories of that day, not just of the game but the entire build-up to it was just brilliant. It was such a culmination of emotions.

“I remember I missed an absolute sitter when we were just 1-0 up and was gutted. We were all getting a bit nervy and it would have been nice to see it go in, settle a few stomachs. 10 minutes later, I put a pass onto the right wing that Leon Mettam picked up. He put a cross in which I followed up and volleyed into the top right-hand corner. It was such a great feeling, more relief then anything else!

“And then when final whistle went both the players and fans were in raptures. To get promoted on the last day of the season was just amazing.

“I could probably play football for the next 10 years and nothing will ever compare to that day. It’s about as exciting as it gets.”

Current Corby player of the season Towers is adamant that the Steelmen can match their heroics of 2009 and get promoted to the Conference Premier in the near future.

“I can’t see why it can’t happen this season. We’re all ready to push on for all the right reasons and we’ve got the right infrastructure, so why not? What’s the point in having this new ground and not trying to reach higher?

“The fans can sense our ambition and are now as supportive as ever. There’s always been the hardcore of fans, who have stuck with the club through thick and thin. In struggle, in triumph, they’re always there trying to have a good time.

“And it’s better in Steel Park because we can actually hear the fans now! In the Rockingham Triangle all I remember is it being really windy and there being no atmosphere at all. Now at our new home we can hear every cheer, roar and jeer. It makes it a bit more intimidating for away teams.”

Originally signed for his attacking prowess, Towers believes he’s had to develop his playing style with the different changes in management.

“I’m more of an all-round player now then when I started, when I was first signed it was my job to go and get goals. Now I’ve got more responsibility and jobs within the game.

“I still enjoy playing for the club, as I’ve always felt they’ve matched my ambitions. It’s important to me that the club wants to win and go forward and I resonate with that. If the gaffer still wants me I’d play another 200 games for the club.

“Obviously I must be doing something right, because he keeps re-signing me!”