Paul Digby focuses on the future at Cambridge United
Paul Digby will not spend too long reflecting on Cambridge United’s first season back in League One after 19 years.
The U’s have exceeded external expectations with a comfortable mid-table finish, with aspirations from their remaining two games to be best of the rest in a table that is effectively split in two.
There have been plenty of highlights after last year’s promotion-winning campaign in League Two, but the U’s captain prefers to fix his gaze on what is coming next.
“After the last two games, I might have a little look back but I think with the nature of football and the nature of who I am, I’m always looking forward,” said Digby.
“Even after we’ve had a few good games or occasions this season, you try to enjoy the moment and then you move on to set yourself new goals.
“That is maybe my nature, and I think that's just probably who I am. But maybe I will, in a few years, be able to look back on some fantastic memories, that's for sure.”
There are certainly some top results to look back on, and ones that should provide the U’s a springboard for next year having found their feet this campaign.
Among the top results have been wins at Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wigan, and, of course, the FA Cup success at Premier League Newcastle United.
“It’s one of those that you can’t dwell on the past too much,” said Digby. “It’s one of those that we’ve had some great away days like the Newcastle one, but I remember after the Newcastle game we enjoyed the moment and then we had to move on quickly.
“We had some really important games and did that fantastically, and that is something you have to do as a footballer.
“After the Newcastle game, for instance, we went and won four games in a row which is down to our focus.
“You have to enjoy the moment but then you do have to move on and there are new games coming up and new challenges.
“I think that is so important to be that way as a footballer, that you keep your feet on the ground.
“You might have a few highs, a few good moments as well but you keep your feet on the ground and move on from that which I think we’ve done fantastically well this year.”
It may not be for a while yet, but Digby is already looking to the long-term future.
In February, United head coach Mark Bonner explained how the 27-year-old was doing some coaching with Jimmy Unwin and the youth team as he works towards his badges.
“I’ve done a bit with Jimmy and the under-18s and that’s been fantastic,” said Digby. “I’m really grateful that they’ve been able to let me just do a few little bits of coaching, I’ve learned a lot from them as well.
“I would like to get my badges by the time I’ve come to the end of my career. I love football, I love playing.
“My main focus is on playing at the minute, but I do enjoy coaching as well so maybe that is one that is something for the future.”
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