Cambridge United midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has made it clear why he joined the club last summer, insisting the aim was always to secure an immediate return to League One.
The U’s, relegated at the end of last season, have positioned themselves firmly in the promotion picture. They currently sit third in League Two, two points inside the automatic promotion places with 14 matches remaining. Having reached the 60-point mark, the benchmark set internally by the manager, attention has now shifted from consolidation to ambition.
Mpanzu, 31, arrived at the Abbey Stadium following an 11-year spell with Luton Town that saw him rise from non-league football to the Premier League with the same club. His decision to drop into League Two raised eyebrows at the time, but he believes the table justifies that move.
Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, he said:
“I think it’s the right decision seeing where we are in the table. I came here to get promoted; that’s what I do. I’ve had four promotions.
“It’s been going well; obviously the season’s not done yet, the job’s not done yet, but we’re in a really good position.
“The gaffer said get to 60 points; that’s where we are now, and you never know what can happen, but the main aim was to get play-offs, and we’re currently in the top three positions.
“We’re thinking, can we catch Swindon and Bromley in front of us, and that’s our main goal now.”
After a slow start, which included four substitute appearances in his opening eight games and a disrupted pre-season, Mpanzu has since become a regular starter, featuring in 20 matches across all competitions. His experience across five divisions has added composure to a squad intent on bouncing back at the first attempt.
He acknowledged the adjustment from the top flight to League Two, adding:
“I’m not going to lie; obviously the quality is incredible in the Premier League, playing against strikers like Erling Haaland. But League Two is also good quality, and you’ve got good players in it.
“It’s just a difference in mindset, where you’ve got to concentrate, and it’s even more of a battle than the Premier League.
“It’s been an adjustment, and I think I’ve settled in well now, trying to play as well as I can for the team and the fans.”
Are they going up?
With 14 games to play and momentum building, Cambridge’s focus is no longer just on securing a play-off berth but on chasing down the automatic spots. Mpanzu’s message is clear: the job is not finished, but the pathway back to League One is firmly within reach.
A return to League One would be a significant step for the Us. It’s difficult dropping out of League One, as Shrewsbury have shown, but Cambridge is a cracking club, a traditional ground and a deep-rooted community feel. The city often gets swamped with Spurs or Arsenal fans, given the proximity to London, so for them to thrive this season is massive for the area.
Good luck to them, and to Ruddock, a player who served Luton well. They could do with his input and application right now.
