Cambridge City captain Jayden Randell rejects higher-level interest to remain with Isthmian League North Division club

Captain Jayden Randell has revealed that he rejected interest from higher-league clubs to remain with Cambridge City.

The Lilywhites announced last week that the centre-back, who joined the club 12 months ago, had agreed to lead the team out once again during the 2025/26 season.

And despite receiving proposals from elsewhere, Randell believes that the FWD-IP Community Stadium is the right place for him at this present in moment in time.

“After speaking to the gaffer and enjoying last season, I had no hesitation in staying,” he said.

“There was some interest from other clubs and clubs that were playing at a higher level – even one at Step 2.

“Of course there is a temptation and it’s flattering that clubs are interested, but I’m happy at City and we laid a good foundation last season.”

Another factor in Randell’s decision to stay put is his belief that next term could be a successful one for the club.

Last summer he was one of a large number of new arrivals as boss Jamie Cureton oversaw widespread changes.

Results – as expected – were at times inconsistent, yet there was a period after Christmas where City found themselves on the fringes of the play-offs.

And Randell is confident that the squad will be able to sustain a challenge this time around.

He added: “There’s obviously some very good teams in the division and you have the likes of Maldon who will be spending big and looking to win the division.

“Others will be looking to get themselves in the play-offs, so it’s a very competitive division.

“But we’re now settled into the new ground, the core group of boys are staying and with a good pre-season behind us I think we’ll be ready to have a good go.

“I’d like to think that we’ll be looking at being in and around those play-offs – that feels realistic.”

Last season was also particularly significant for the 24-year-old on a personal level.

It was the first full campaign that he was able to complete since suffering a broken leg while playing for Concord Rangers – then of the National League South – in a pre-season friendly against Southend United.

He was City’s third highest appearance maker, turning out on 38 occasions and scoring one goal in the process.

“On a personal level it was one of my best seasons,” said Randell, who joined City from Maldon & Tiptree.

“I was playing at Step 2 but after the leg break I had to take a step back and get my bearings.

“It took a while to feel back to full fitness but last year I felt good and it felt like I’d played well.”