Former Rotherham United player Ryan Cresswell takes up coaching role at Parkgate FC

The 33-year-old, from Swinton, stacked up just short of 300 Football League appearances with the Millers, Northampton Town, Southend United and Fleetwood Town in his playing career and will work alongside the management team of Andy Dawson and Lee Whitehead at Roundwood.

Dawson said: "As soon as Cressy mentioned he would be interested, it was a no brainer for us. His experience and knowledge within the game will no doubt be invaluable at our level.

"He is a local lad who has shown a real interest in the club since we initially spoke about becoming a coach and I'm sure the players will be excited to see what he can bring to the club."

Cresswell played for the Millers from 2010-12 after which he won promotion from League Two with Northampton. He has latterly played in non-league at the likes of Eastleigh, Boston United and Bradford Park Avenue.

He also turned out for Parkgate, who play in Northern Counties East League's second tier, briefly last year.

Whitehead added: "It's great for us to be bringing in someone of Cressy's stature and experience. We have a lot of young lads this year and what they can learn from him on and off the pitch will be invaluable.

"He will have different ideas to what myself and Andy have, and it can only improve on what we do. It's the next step for us to try and push further up the league table."