Cresswell ready for 'different' challenge at Stoke

Aaron Cresswell began his career with Tranmere before moving to Ipswich and then West Ham in July 2014, where he made over 350 appearances

New Stoke City signing Aaron Cresswell says joining the Potters will be "a different challenge" after more than a decade in the Premier League with West Ham but he is "ready to step up".

The 35-year-old former England and Ipswich left-back agreed a one-year deal at the bet365 Stadium on 10 July following the expiration of his contract with the Hammers after 11 years of service.

Cresswell told BBC Radio Stoke it was an odd feeling getting used to a new club after spending such a long time in east London.

"It is, but that's football," he said.

"A lot of players might have four, five, six different clubs throughout their career and I was fortunate enough to stay at West Ham for 11 years but everything comes to an end.

"It's a different challenge joining Stoke and one I'm really excited about and looking forward to."

This season will be Cresswell's first in the second tier since his final campaign with the Tractor Boys in 2013-14.

And he says he is relishing the chance to reacquaint himself with the division.

"I'm looking forward to the Championship," Cresswell added.

"In terms of competitiveness and toughness, I don't think there are many leagues in world football that are as tough.

"But I'm ready for the fight. I spent three years there with Ipswich and it's not an easy league.

"I'm not getting any younger but I'm more than capable of still playing - I managed to play nearly 20 games in the Premier League last year and until the day that hunger, that desire doesn't sit with me then I'll call it a day.

"But I don't feel anywhere near reaching that level of giving up."

Stoke a 'sleeping giant'

Cresswell says he will try and pass on his experience to the club's other full-backs including Italy Under-17 left-back Laurence Giani and French defender Eric-Junior Bocat.

Cresswell has already spoken to Giani while waiting at the airport travelling to the club's pre-season training camp in Spain.

"I had a coffee with him at the airport and had a 10-minute chat and I got to know him and it was nice," Cresswell said.

"If he needs any advice or help I'll be the first to help him out. The same with Eric - if they need any support I'll be the first to help whether I'm playing or not."

Cresswell also said he had had "plenty of chats" with boss Mark Robins ahead of signing adding he was "fair and tough and that's what you want".

"You want an honest guy and he certainly fits that bill," Cresswell said.

Stoke begin their latest attempt to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018 at home against Derby County on 9 August and Cresswell is sure the club have the credentials to get back to the top flight.

"It's been a challenging few years for Stoke but it's a sleeping giant in terms of the fan base, the size of the club and the infrastructure," he said.

"Everything's there and I want to help in any way I can.

"We want a successful season and don't want to be fighting relegation.

"I'm at the back end of my career now but am ready to step up. I want to be fighting for the first game of the season and I'll give it my all."

Aaron Cresswell (right) played against Stoke City's now sporting director Jonathan Walters during their careers and says Walters was key to him moving to the club