A left back, Metcalf began his career with hometown Midland League club Scarborough in 1931.
[4] With first Jack Astley and then new signings Arthur Bateman and George Poyser ahead of him in the full back pecking order, Metcalf had to wait until 29 September 1934 to make his professional debut, which came in a 2–1 defeat to Hull City.
[4] Metcalf joined Second Division club Coventry City in 1937 and made 78 appearances during the 1937–38 and 1938–39 seasons before professional football was suspended due to the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939.
[3][7] Metcalf remained with Coventry during the war and made 130 appearances, in addition to playing as a guest for Nottingham Forest and Northampton Town.
[3][8] After hostilities ceased in 1945, Metcalf made two FA Cup appearances during the 1945–46 season and retired at the end of the campaign.