Jennings started his career with Macclesfield Town

New signing James Jennings believes Cambridge will challenge for Blue Square Premier promotion next season.

The 22-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract at the Abbey after moving from Kettering.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "The gaffer's going to bring some new faces in. We are going to be one of the main contenders next season.

"If we bring in the right players and staff there's no reason why we shouldn't up there."

Jennings started his career at Macclesfield Town and played under Paul Ince in League Two.

He made the move to Kettering in the summer of 2009 and was a virtual ever-present for the Poppies last season.

Meanwhile, midfielder Simon Russell said he had no difficultly in agreeing to sign a permanent deal after a successful loan from York.

"There was a little bit of interest from elsewhere, but this was my first choice given how my loan spell went," the 25-year-old said.

"I have a good rapport with the fans and if I can keep playing as I did while on loan last year I hope that will continue."

Russell has also agreed a two-year contract and believes the U's have an excellent chance of winning promotion next season.

"It's a huge club with big ambitions and the signings they've been making show that," he said.

"There are four or five Conference sides that should be in the League and we're definitely one of them."

Striker Danny Wright has made the move across the A14 from local rivals Histon after agreeing a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old struggled with injury last season and is hoping to make a fresh start at the Abbey.

"I'm relieved to be done with last season and I'm looking for a new challenge here at Cambridge United," he said.

"It was a bit of a no-brainer to make the move here as they offer everything I want at the current time."

Wright signed for Histon from Norfolk side Dereham and admits it is a huge change to be playing for one of the top non-league sides.

"It was only a few years ago that I was playing in front of 10 or 20 fans at Dereham so I've come in the back door a little bit," he said.

"But I think that maybe gives me a bit more hunger than someone who's fallen down the leagues from a professional side."

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