Defender Aaron Cresswell believes he still has plenty to offer West Ham United on both sides of the white line, after putting pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension with the Club.
The longest-serving member of the Hammers’ squad, the 34-year-old is set to enter the eleventh year of his east London spell in the new season, following his arrival from Ipswich Town way back in July 2014.
During his decade in Claret and Blue, Cresswell has experienced numerous thrills and spills, including the move to London Stadium, fights against relegation, European qualification and last summer’s unforgettable UEFA Europa Conference League triumph.
Having made 18 appearances in all competitions during 2023/24, including ten starts, his gametime may have somewhat reduced in recent times, but the former England international is confident he is still well-placed to contribute to West Ham’s future success.
“My role has changed a bit, but I understand how things work in football, and there’s a bigger picture,” said Cresswell, who has scored eleven goals in 349 appearances in all competitions for the Irons.
“I obviously want to play as much as possible, and when called upon I think I’ve stepped in and done well, certainly in the big European games against SC Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen last season.
“But there’s more to it than just playing every game sometimes. When I’ve not been on the pitch, I like to think I’ve supported the other players, and in particular Emerson on the left of defence, who has been brilliant.
“I’ve managed to avoid big injuries throughout my career, and thankfully I’m still fit and healthy. I always try and do the right things in terms of eating and sleeping well, and training hard, so I feel I’ve still got a lot to give in whatever capacity that is.”
A good and longstanding friend of Mark Noble, Cresswell is hoping to use the example of the former Club captain, and current Sporting Director, to go about his business in the right way during this new stage of his playing career.
“Nobes was someone who played every game for years and years, and then took on a different role during his last season in the squad,” the No3 said. “He was an example off the field, with his commitment and the standards he set, and he was always ready to contribute when needed.
“With Nobes having retired, and then [his successor as captain] Declan Rice leaving last summer, I like to think I can take on that role as one of the senior voices now, and can pass on my experience and knowledge of the identity of the Club.
“There’s a new management team that’s come in, and our Academy is booming, so I think that could be really important, and I’m certainly ready to help out as much as I can.”
Julen Lopetegui’s recent arrival as head coach has signalled significant change at London Stadium, while the likes of George Earthy and Kaelan Casey will be looking to kick on at senior level after making their first-team bows towards the end of 2023/24.
Cresswell insists the prospect of aiding the integration of players and coaches into the West Ham environment energises him, and he’s looking forward to helping the Club build on recent successes.
He added: “There are going to be some changes and, as one of the more experienced players, I’ll do what I can to help pull everyone together in the same direction.
“With the young boys, I always try to put myself in their position and understand what they’re experiencing. I remember making my debut in front of about 8,000 fans for Tranmere against MK Dons [in November 2008], and it was a fantastic feeling.
“But to come on, and then for George Earthy to score in the Premier League, must be crazy. We’ve got the best Academy now that we’ve had while I’ve been at West Ham, and it’s up to the likes of me to help with their transition into the first team.
“As a Club we’re in a strong position, and it’s an exciting time. We just want to keep developing, and that’s what we’ll all look to do in the new season.”
