Cresswell excited to be back as Cobblers return to pre-season training

The Town squad has reported back a week earlier than they usually would, and a week before most other clubs in England, but the players were at least given a gentle welcome back.

Reporting to the club in pairs, the players were put through a series of tests in the gymnasium at Sixfields, before undergoing more strenuous work on Tuesday.

One of the first in for his tests was Cresswell, and although he admitted pre-season is not something players ever look forward to, he did admit to being glad to return to work.

“I have been waiting for this day for the past couple of weeks or so,” said Cresswell.

“The summer break always flies by, and the first day of pre-season always comes round quite sharpish, but I am excited to be back.

“I don’t think anybody really looks forward to pre-season, but you know what it is.

“It is hard work, it’s graft, and you have to try and get every day in your locker and you know you’ll be ready for the first game of the season.”

The players were all given summer fitness programmes to keep them ticking over during their seven-week break, and Cresswell has clearly stuck to his.

“I came in under weight, so I am happy,” declared the former Fleetwood man.

“It’s been a good summer, as good as it can be, and I am just excited now and looking forward to getting out on the pitch.”

There were a few new faces around Sixfields on Monday, with new signings Dave Buchanan, Alfie Potter, Nicky Adams and Josh Lelan meeting their new club-mates for the first time.

They weren’t all strangers to Cresswell, who feels the new signings are just what the squad needed to strengthen on last season.

“I used to play with Dave Buchanan up at Bury, and he is a good player, and a very honest and hard-working lad,” said Cresswell.

“The others I know just from playing against them.

“Alfie Potter had a good game here at Sixfields, and Nicky Adams is a good player I know, and they all bring the quality we need.

“Lookng ahead, promotion would be fantastic, and that’s what the lads that are all coming in want.

“It’s what everybody at this football club wants.”