Cresswell handed York role

York have appointed former striker Richard Cresswell as their new first-team coach.

The 37-year-old, who had two spells at Bootham Crescent as a player, has joined manager Russ Wilcox's backroom staff, leaving his previous role of head of football operations. Cresswell, who featured in the Premier League for Sheffield Wednesday, hopes to be able to help guide the Minstermen to Football League safety. "It has been a bit of a whirlwind over the last few days and I'm delighted the gaffer has asked me to come on board," Cresswell told the club's official website. "We are desperate to stay in League Two and I'm looking forward to being part of the team for the rest of the season. "I've played at every level across my career and had a coaching stint with Sheffield United in the first team and Under-21s, as well as obviously looking after the academy here with Andy McMillan and Jonathan Greening. "I've already done some good work with [Emile] Sinclair, [Jake] Hyde and [Shaq] Coulthirst on an individual basis to try and get them in the right areas and hopefully we can take what has been done on the training pitch into games. "When I came in two years ago as a player we were in a similar sort of position and it was backs against the walls but with character and determination we managed to pull clear and that's what I intend on doing in the coaching side. "Everyone knows I live in the area and my kids are all York City fans so this club means a lot to me. "I'm pleased to be given the opportunity but I'll be even happier if we stay up at the end of the season." Boss Wilcox added: "It's an important appointment without a doubt. Richard is York City through and through and I think the important thing from my point of view is that he hasn't been retired for long which means he is fresh and understands what players need and require. "As a manager you are always looking to freshen things up particularly as you get towards the business end of the season and the new voice with different ideas and drills on the training ground will help everybody."