Former West Bromwich Albion attacker Quevin Castro looking to begin journey back up football pyramid at Cambridge City
Quevin Castro is confident that his move to Cambridge City will be one that benefits both parties.
One the one hand, the attacker is eager to play a leading role as new Lilywhites boss Mickey Spillane seeks to build a team that will soon be competing towards the top end of the Isthmian League North Division following a tough start to the season.
And Castro is also mindful of the fact that if he can produce the goods in a City shirt, that will elevate his chances of realising a dream move back into the professional game.
It was just a shade more than four years ago that Castro made his full West Bromwich Albion debut in a League Cup tie against Arsenal, having joined the Baggies in the summer of 2021 following a successful trial period.
He went on to make one Championship appearance, alongside experiencing contrasting fortunes during loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead.
The former Sporting Lisbon trainee joined National League side York City upon the expiration of his West Brom contract in 2023, and since then he has struggled to find somewhere that
has brought out his best form.
Castro started the current campaign in the National League South with Chippenham Town, but he is hopeful that last week’s switch to City will ignite a change in fortunes.
The 24-year-old said: “I’d love to get back to the professional level – that’s definitely the aim.
“I’m really proud to do what I’ve done so far, making my debut against Arsenal and playing and training alongside top players.
“This is just the path my career has taken and you’ve just got to be humble and enjoy the journey.
“Dropping down has been tough, especially when I’ve had plenty of managers telling me that I’ve got the ability and talent to play in the Football League.
“You can be hard on yourself, but this is the reality and it’s down to me to look at what things I can do differently.
“I’m at my best when I’m in an environment where I’m loved and where people know that I’m going to give them everything.
“It feels like that’s what I’ve found at Cambridge City and that’s what I’m focused on. If my football is good then the rest will look after itself.”
It was the recently-appointed Spillane who was a key factor in convincing Castro to move to the FWD-IP Community Stadium.
The pair have a pre-existing relationship, and the previous faith that Spillane had shown in him left a lasting impression.
“Mickey coached me at college and he always helped me with extra sessions and things like that,” added Castro.
“He knew some people at Ipswich and put me forward for a trial there, so we’ve always had a good relationship and he’s always supported me.
“Even though I’ve gone on to West Brom and other places, that support has always stuck with me. He gave me a lot of confidence and it was easy to join up with him and Danny Crow (assistant).”
And if Castro’s start to life as a City player is anything to go by, it is going to be a fruitful link up.
He came off the bench for his debut early in the second half away at Waltham Abbey on Saturday and within eight minutes scored what proved to be the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that moved City up to 17th.
“I really wanted to make a statement and show that I can be the difference,” he said. “I was so pleased to get the goal and it’s a really positive start.
“City is one of the biggest clubs in my local area and I feel lucky to be able to represent it.
“Mickey, Danny and the club want to be challenging for promotion and that’s what I want as well.
“I’ll give everything I’ve got for the badge and hopefully Saturday’s goal is the start of something.”
After travelling to lower-level Whittlesey Athletic in the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup tonight (5 November), City will host Tilbury in the league on Saturday (8 November).