Ryan Cresswell reflects on Matlock start and Step 3 challenge ahead of home debut

The former Sheffield boss recent passed one month in charge of the Gladiators after leaving the NPL East Division side to replace Nicky Law in mid-September.

Having managed over 100 games for his former side, the Matlock job sees him take charge of a Step 3 club for the first time.

Discussing the difference in quality between the two leagues, Cresswell told the Northern Premier League: “There is a step up with the quality of the players and the way that teams set up.

“Things are more in-depth, but luckily I’ve had nearly three years of experience in the league below which has stood me in good stead for this challenge."

Cresswell made over 200 appearances in League Two during his playing days, before moving into management with Parkgate and then Sheffield in November 2021.

As a young manager, the 36-year-old admits that each day in the managerial role is a learning experience for him.

“Every day is a learning curve for me," he said.

"I’m learning every day, every game, every week. Half past ten last Saturday after our first win, we were looking on how we could improve for next Saturday.

“I do have a lot of experience in the professional game, but management is completely different. As a player you often think rather selfishly, but as a manager you’ve got 20 players to think about!

“I love it though. It’s a challenging task, but one I’m enjoying.”

Taking over Matlock was a tough task on paper, with the club sitting bottom of the NPL's Premier Division after scoring only three goals by the time Law was dismissed after six games.

Motivating a young side was one of the main goals once Cresswell came in, and he believes that bringing in more experienced heads could provide positive results.

“I’m grateful that the club backed me to make decisions that ultimately fall on my head [if it goes wrong]," the former Sheffield boss added.

“If you look at any squad across football, you’ve got to mix youngsters with players who know the level and will buy into the way we set up.

“At the minute it’s going really well. We’re starting to knit together, and I’m looking forward to setting us up for a big second half of the season.”

Performances and results have been on the up since Cresswell’s appointment.

The Gladiators have picked up five points from four straight away games, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Even then, the only loss under Cresswell in the league came one day after his arrival - a narrow 3-2 defeat to Ashton United, who currently occupy a top-five spot.

The Gladiators picked up their second win of the league season last Saturday against anbother of the division's high-flyers in Hebburn Town, and Cresswell believes the victory is a testament to how well the players have bought into his way of thinking. 

“It’s massive to go away to third in the league, win and keep a clean sheet,” Cresswell said.

“It shows the players that what we’re trying to do is right, and we’ll work on things again in training ahead of Basford United on Saturday.

“We’re not taking our foot off the gas. We go into every game wanting to take the three points and go toe-to-toe with the big squads in the division.”

This Saturday, Cresswell takes charge of his first home game, after five straight away fixtures in both the league and FA Trophy.

Basford are the visitors to the Proctor Cars Stadium, and it’s a game that Cresswell is looking forward to as he aims to get the home fans on board.

“I’m really excited for the first home game, because we’ve been away for weeks.

“Being the home side, we want to go out there and entertain the fans who haven’t had much to shout about this season.

“I’m really positive about the start we’ve made though, and hopefully we can get the fans back on side and continue to get better.”

Photo Credit: Sheffield