RICHARD CRESSWELL

'Richard Paul Wesley Cresswell' (born 20 September 1977 in Crewe, England) is an English professional Footballer, currently playing for Football League Championship side Stoke City. Cresswell is a centre-forward.

Contents

Early career

2005 - Present

External links

Early career

Richard Cresswell went to Martongate Primary School (Bridlington) where he first started to play football. He was a regular in the school football team and it was soon clear just how talented this lad was. Cresswell began his career at York City, where he made his first team debut in early 1996. Cresswell spent a brief period on loan at Mansfield Town in 1997, before returning and becoming a first team regular for York during the 1998-1999 season. Cresswell later was called up to the England Under-21 Team, where he won four caps before a £950,000 move to then Premiership side, Sheffield Wednesday. He was then loaned to Leicester City in September 2000, before completing a £750,000 move later in the season. In July 2001, Cresswell then transferred to Preston North End for £500,000 after previously spending time with them on loan.
It was at Preston where Cresswell would enjoy his best goal return, in the 2004-2005 season. He scored a total of 23 goals in 52 games, which helped Preston to reach the Championship Play-offs, where they were beaten by West Ham United.

2005 - Present

Cresswell was purchased by Leeds United on the final day of the 2005 summer transfer window. It had been widely believed that Cresswell would move to Sheffield United, Leeds' Yorkshire rivals, however, comments made by Sheffield manager Neil Warnock hinted that Cresswell would move to Leeds instead. It was confirmed on 31 August that Leeds had indeed signed Cresswell, for a fee of £1,150,000. After signing, Cresswell made it known that he was a lifelong Leeds United supporter, and did not want to miss a chance to join his favourite club.
Cresswell's transfer to Leeds amused Leeds fans, as he was set to sign for Sheffield United. Neil Warnock appeared on Sky Sports News to confirm the club were in discussions with Cresswell, after agreeing a fee. Kevin Blackwell was watching and was alerted to the fact that Cresswell was available, and made a phone call to chairman Ken Bates to ask if it were possible to sign him. Bates then agreed a fee with Preston North End and Cresswell's agent then informed Cresswell that a bid had come in from Leeds. At this time Cresswell was in a meeting with Neil Warnock, which he immediately cut short after learning of Leeds' interest. It is rumoured that Cresswell at this time said to Warnock: 'Sorry Neil, I've got to go.' Cresswell then left and the next time Warnock had an update, it was on Sky Sports News to find out that Cresswell had signed for Sheffield United's fierce rivals at the time, Leeds United.
It did not take Cresswell long to find the net for his new club, scoring two goals in Leeds' Carling Cup defeat of Rotherham United, in only his second start. These goals meant that Leeds won a Yorkshire Derby for the first time in four years and immediately endeared Cresswell to Leeds fans. However, Cresswell suffered ruptured knee ligaments in a match against Derby County, just a week later. This injury kept Cresswell out of action for ten weeks, missing a total of thirteen games.
Once Cresswell returned from injury, it did not take him long to rediscover his scoring touch, scoring in his second match back, against Coventry City. Cresswell scored four more goals, making him Leeds' joint third top scorer, with Robbie Blake. Another knee injury though, this time before a match with Derby County again slowed his and Leeds United progress. Although a six week lay off was initially predicted after surgery, it turned out to be worse and he was eventually ruled out for the rest of the season. He was ruled out of the playoff final after being sent off in Leeds' 2-0 (Leeds advance 3-1) second leg victory over former club Preston.
In the 2006-07 season, Cresswell got another injury which ruled him out of action for a few months, after a few games, one goal and in many Leeds' fans opinions, several diabolical performances, Cresswell got another injury and was kept out until February. He made his comeback as a substitute against Crystal Palace, and it was believed that his return would be instrumental in ensuring Leeds United's safety in the Championship this season. Despite some much improved performances from Cresswell, amongst others, Leeds United are now resigned to relegation to the third tier for the first time in their history. After a few games working his way back to full fitness, Cresswell netted 2 goals in successive matches, including a potentially vital winner against fellow relegation rivals Luton Town, and firmly established himself as one of the fans favourites once again. He scored for Leeds in the last home game of the season - the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. His main attributes are his lethal finishing ability and skillful play.
On the 27th July 2007 Leeds United anounced they were in negotiations with numerous clubs over the possible transfer of Richard Cresswell. Of the clubs interested Hull City are thought to be looking at him as are Sheffield Wednesday.
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis confirmed the signing of Cresswell after the 2 - 0 friendly defeat by Aston Villa on 1st August 2007. Cresswell officially signed a 3 year deal for an undisclosed fee on 3 August 2007.

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