Lewis Whitehead eager to get started at Cambridge City

New boy makes difficult decision to leave Newmarket

Lewis Whitehead has set his sights on helping fire Cambridge City to promotion.

The attacker had rejected numerous moves away from Newmarket Town over the last few seasons, but the temptation of the Lilywhites proved too strong to resist.

Whitehead was an instant hit when joining the Jockeys for a second spell in 2016, scoring 34 goals as Newmarket finished third in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division and reached the League Challenge Cup final during the 2016/17 season.

Last term he was hampered by injuries, but still showed a clinical touch and was the club’s second highest goalscorer – hitting the back of the net on 16 occasions.

Such statistics captured the attention of numerous clubs, but Whitehead stayed put until City boss Robbie Nightingale came calling earlier this month.

“Quite a few clubs were interested last summer and during the season but I was happy at Newmarket,” said the 26-year-old.

“I wanted to win things there and while we got to a cup final it did not happen.

“City are a massive club in the area and I just felt that if I was not going to test myself at a higher level now, then I never would do it.

“I was not actively looking to move but a club like City is hard to turn down.

“I know some of the lads already and I cannot wait to get going.”

After last season’s play-off heartbreak, the Lilywhites are sure to be looking to go one better during 2018/19. Competition for places is set to be fierce, but when the opportunities arise, Whitehead is determined to play a role in helping City to return to a higher level.

“City have always been a leading club in the area,” he added.

“I am a Cambridge lad and when I was not watching United as a kid, I was at Milton Road watching City.

“They should always be up there knocking on the door of the play-offs or fighting for the title.

“The club is probably not where it should be and from a brief chat with Robbie they want to get back up there.

“I am buzzing to be a part of things. It will be tough to play week in week out, but I have to be confident and back my own ability.”