Richard Cresswell
Encyclopedia
Richard Paul Wesley Cresswell (born 20 September 1977) is an English footballer who plays for Sheffield United
. Cresswell is a centre-forward who has adapted to life as a left midfielder.
, East Riding of Yorkshire
, Cresswell went to Moorfield Primary School (Bridlington), where he first started to play football. He was a regular in the school football team and it became clear how talented he was. Cresswell began his career at Scarborough
before soon moving to York City
, where he signed a professional contract on 15 November 1995 and made his first team debut against Bradford City
on 20 January 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. He scored once for Leicester, his goal ironically coming against former club York in the FA Cup. 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
.
on the final day of the 2005 summer transfer window. 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.
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 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 again slowed his and Leeds' 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 were 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
.
manager Tony Pulis
confirmed the signing of Cresswell on a 3-year deal for an undisclosed fee at the start of August 2007. Cresswell scored two goals as Stoke beat Crystal Palace
3–1.
Cresswell made 42 league appearances for Stoke City in the 2007/08 season, scoring 11 goals. He even scored the last ever goal at Colchester United's
Layer Road ground in a 1–0 win. Cresswell has regularly been used on the right wing by Stoke manager Tony Pulis
even though his natural position is as a striker. However despite this Cresswell managed to score eleven goals during the 07/08 season helping the club to Promotion the Premier League.
During the 08/09 season Cresswell was once again forced to play as a right winger. He played in 30 games but failed to score a single goal.
on a three month loan at the end of September 2009 and made his début the same evening against Ipswich Town
. Starting the following game he scored a 65th minute equaliser against Doncaster Rovers
. In January 2010 he joined United on a permanent deal, playing regularly for the remainder of the season and finishing top scorer with twelve goals. He was rewarded with a new three-year contract with the club at the start of June. Unfortunately his first full season with The Blades was less productive as he struggled to find the form of the previous term. Played largely out on the wing he scored only five goals in all competitions as the Blades were relegated. However, Cresswell notched up three goals in the Blades opening three games in their 2011-2012 nPower League One campaign.
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
. Cresswell is a centre-forward who has adapted to life as a left midfielder.
Early career
Born in BridlingtonBridlington
Bridlington is a seaside resort, minor sea fishing port and civil parish on the Holderness Coast of the North Sea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It has a static population of over 33,000, which rises considerably during the tourist season...
, East Riding of Yorkshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
The East Riding of Yorkshire, or simply East Yorkshire, is a local government district with unitary authority status, and a ceremonial county of England. For ceremonial purposes the county also includes the city of Kingston upon Hull, which is a separate unitary authority...
, Cresswell went to Moorfield Primary School (Bridlington), where he first started to play football. He was a regular in the school football team and it became clear how talented he was. Cresswell began his career at Scarborough
Scarborough F.C.
Scarborough Football Club was an English football club based in the seaside resort of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. They were one of the oldest football clubs in England, formed in 1879, before they were wound up on 20 June 2007, with debts of £2.5 million.In the 2006–07 season...
before soon moving to York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
, where he signed a professional contract on 15 November 1995 and made his first team debut against Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
on 20 January 1996. Cresswell spent a brief period on loan at Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
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
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
, where he won four caps
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
before a £950,000 move to then Premiership side, Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
. He was then loaned to Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
in September 2000, before completing a £750,000 move later in the season. He scored once for Leicester, his goal ironically coming against former club York in the FA Cup. In July 2001, Cresswell then transferred to Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
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
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
.
Leeds United
Cresswell was purchased by Leeds UnitedLeeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
on the final day of the 2005 summer transfer window. 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.
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 immediately endeared Cresswell to Leeds fans. However, Cresswell suffered ruptured knee ligaments in a match against Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
, 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
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
. Cresswell scored four more goals, making him Leeds' joint third top scorer, with Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake
Robert James "Robbie" Blake is an English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League...
. Another knee injury though, this time before a match with Derby again slowed his and Leeds' 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 were 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
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
.
Stoke City
Stoke CityStoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
manager Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis
Anthony Richard "Tony" Pulis is a Welsh former football player and is currently the manager of Stoke City. Pulis obtained his FA coaching badge at the age of 19, followed by his UEFA 'A' licence aged 21 – making him one of the youngest professional players ever to have obtained the qualification...
confirmed the signing of Cresswell on a 3-year deal for an undisclosed fee at the start of August 2007. Cresswell scored two goals as Stoke beat Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
3–1.
Cresswell made 42 league appearances for Stoke City in the 2007/08 season, scoring 11 goals. He even scored the last ever goal at Colchester United's
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
Layer Road ground in a 1–0 win. Cresswell has regularly been used on the right wing by Stoke manager Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis
Anthony Richard "Tony" Pulis is a Welsh former football player and is currently the manager of Stoke City. Pulis obtained his FA coaching badge at the age of 19, followed by his UEFA 'A' licence aged 21 – making him one of the youngest professional players ever to have obtained the qualification...
even though his natural position is as a striker. However despite this Cresswell managed to score eleven goals during the 07/08 season helping the club to Promotion the Premier League.
During the 08/09 season Cresswell was once again forced to play as a right winger. He played in 30 games but failed to score a single goal.
Sheffield United
Cresswell joined Sheffield UnitedSheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
on a three month loan at the end of September 2009 and made his début the same evening against Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
. Starting the following game he scored a 65th minute equaliser against Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
. In January 2010 he joined United on a permanent deal, playing regularly for the remainder of the season and finishing top scorer with twelve goals. He was rewarded with a new three-year contract with the club at the start of June. Unfortunately his first full season with The Blades was less productive as he struggled to find the form of the previous term. Played largely out on the wing he scored only five goals in all competitions as the Blades were relegated. However, Cresswell notched up three goals in the Blades opening three games in their 2011-2012 nPower League One campaign.
Career statistics
- As of 16 January 2010.
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| York City York City F.C. York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions... |
1995–96 | 16 | 1 | - | - | - | - | |16 | 1 | ||||
| 1996–97 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | |19 | 0 | |||
| Mansfield Town Mansfield Town F.C. Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910... (Loan) |
1996–97 | 5 | 1 | - | - | - | - | |5 | 1 | ||||
| York City York City F.C. York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions... |
1997–98 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | |28 | 4 | ||
| 1998–99 | 36 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | - | - | |34 | 9 | |||
| Sheffield Wednesday Sheffield Wednesday F.C. Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the... |
1998–99 | 7 | 1 | - | - | - | - | |7 | 1 | ||||
| 1999–00 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | |25 | 1 | |||
| 2000–01 | 4 | 0 | - | - | - | - | |4 | 0 | |||||
| Leicester City Leicester City F.C. Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester... |
2000–01 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | |14 | 1 | |
| Preston North End Preston North End F.C. Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One... (Loan) |
2000–01 | 14 | 2 | - | - | - | - | |14 | 2 | ||||
| Preston North End Preston North End F.C. Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One... |
2001–02 | 40 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | |44 | 16 | ||
| 2002–03 | 42 | 16 | - | 4 | 0 | - | - | |46 | 16 | ||||
| 2003–04 | 44 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | - | |47 | 3 | |||
| 2004–05 | 49 | 17 | - | |3 | 4 | - | - | |52 | 21 | ||||
| 2005–06 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | |3 | 0 | |||||
| Leeds United | 2005–06 | 18 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | - | - | |21 | 7 | ||
| 2006–07 | 22 | 4 | - | |1 | 0 | - | - | |23 | 4 | ||||
| Stoke City Stoke City F.C. Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts... |
2007–08 | 43 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | - | |46 | 12 | ||
| 2008–09 Premier League 2008–09 The 2008–09 Premier League season was the seventeenth since its establishment in 1992. Manchester United became champions for the eleventh time on the penultimate weekend of the season, defending their crown after winning their tenth Premier League title on the final day of the previous season... |
30 | 0 | - | 4 | 1 | - | - | |34 | 1 | ||||
| 2009–10 Premier League 2009–10 The 2009–10 Premier League was the 18th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. A total of 20 teams competed in the league, with Chelsea unseating the three-time defending champions Manchester United, scoring a Premier League record 103 goals in the process... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | |3 | 0 | |||
| Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... (Loan) |
2009–10 | 9 | 2 | - | - | - | - | |9 | 2 | ||||
| Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
2009–10 | 22 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | |33 | 14 | ||
| Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
2010–11 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | |36 | 5 | ||
| Sheffield United Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production... |
2011–12 2011–12 Football League The Football League 2011–12, called the Npower Football League, is the 112th season of the Football League. It began in August 2011 and will conclude in May 2012, with the promotion play-off finals.... |
4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | - | |6 | 4 | ||
| Career total | 488 | 109 | 19 | 8 | 26 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 535 | 117 | |
External links
- Richard Cresswell profile at the Sheffield United website