PLAYER PROFILE

Richard Cresswell

Position: Forward

Height: 5'11

Weight: 11st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1977-09-20 Bridlington, England

Richard Cresswell

An experienced and prolific striker, Richard Creswell could prove the difference for Stoke City in 2008/09.

He began his career as a youngster at York City in 1995. After four sucessful years with the Minstermen, he moved on in 1999, joining Sheffield Wednesday £950,000.

By this point, he had been called-up to the England Under-21 side, but at Hillsborough, his career floundered and he was sold a season later to Leicester City.

However, he once again failed to impress with the Foxes, and he was loaned to Preston in 2001 in a deal which was eventually made permanent.

The transfer fee was just £500,000, but Creswell paid North End back with interest with 46 goals in 176 appearances over four years.

His career back on track, he was snapped up by Leeds in 2005, but injuries and poor performances hindered his progress at Elland Road, and two years later he found himself on the move again, this time heading to Stoke.