As one Ipswich Town fan argues the time is to ‘go forwards, not backwards’, ironically enough it is exactly that which may yet extend Aaron Cresswell’s career beyond his summer release from West Ham United.
Taking his tally of Premier League starts into double figures this season, a 35-year-old Aaron Cresswell may no longer possess the pace or the energy to go up-and-down, box-to-box, for an entire 90 minutes.
However, after being reconstituted into a left-sided central defender in a back three, the veteran southpaw may have found a position which can cover up those athletic flaws while ensuring that there are a few blank chapters still to be written in his story.
Aaron Cresswell has no plans to retire after leaving West Ham this summer. He has no reason to, really.
The man himself believes he has ‘a lot to offer on and off the pitch’ despite now being closer to 40 than he is 30.
Aaron Cresswell open to re-joining Ipswich after West Ham exit
Sunday’s final day clash between West Ham United and Ipswich Town, meanwhile, will be a ‘fitting’ send off for Cresswell in the claret and blue.
It was at Portman Road where he really established himself as one of the most promising young left-backs in the country, after all, paving the way for a decade spent as one of the first names on the West Ham team sheet.
Alan Pardew summed it up perfectly when he described Cresswell as an ‘outstanding’ servant. With so much experience heading out the door, meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand is not the only one worried about West Ham’s future.
“First and foremost, I’m definitely carrying on [in football],” Cresswell tells East Anglian Daily Times. “There’s no doubt about that. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer on and off the pitch.
“Towards the back end of the season, I’ve managed to play a lot of games under the new manager that’s come in, whether that’s at left-back or left side of a three.”
“I’ve got no club in the summer,” the three-time England international added when pressed specifically on the prospect of re-joining the Tractor Boys eleven years on.
“So, let’s see what the summer brings. Let’s see what happens.”
Ipswich fans divided on potential Cresswell homecoming at Portman Road
Those welcoming Cresswell back to East Anglia may be accused of letting their hearts overrule their heads. The Ipswich fan favourite will be 36 going into the New Year, after all. And they do say you should ‘never go back’.
On the other hand, if utilised correctly, a footballer with Cresswell’s experience, tactical flexibility, and devilish set-pieces could yet prove to be an invaluable squad player in a team looking to compete once again at the top end of the Championship.
“If [current left-back Leif] Davis leaves, then definitely,” one Ipswich fan argues in favour of Cresswell’s return. “No-brainer.”
“Definitely need some experience in the squad,” a supporter agrees. “[Cresswell] can cover at left-centre-back if we really needed as well. I would take him as long as the wages weren’t too high.”
“In a heartbeat.”
“Cresswell is a better defender [than Davis]. Can’t keep Davis if he wants to go.”
“Go forward not backwards!,” says one fan firmly in the ‘no’ camp, backed up by a hearty collection of fellow Tractor Boys.
“Can’t see any role for him in the squad at all. Doesn’t have the pace or fitness.”
“Time to move on. Great player but too old for us.”
“Unless either Davis or [Conor] Townsend go, it doesn’t make sense to me. We are absolutely sorted at left-back for next season.”
“No, we don’t need 30-plus year olds now. We’re not in League One under Marcus Evans. We are backed by a billion dollar fund, they expect a return. We won’t get it from Cresswell.”
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