Stoke City full-back Aaron Cresswell has expressed the team’s commitment to “push the bar higher” this season, following a disappointing campaign. The Potters, who were positioned second in late November, saw their promotion aspirations diminish due to a series of injuries, ultimately finishing 17th and 18 points away from the play-offs, which thwarted hopes of returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2018.

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“We were really disappointed as a team in the circumstances where we were – I think around November time we were first two – and we fell off and that’s disappointing really because we felt really positive going into the season,” Cresswell, 36, told BBC Radio Stoke.

“We started the season really well and without using any excuses, we had a lot of injuries and it kind of turned from there.

“But now we’ve got to stay positive for this season and head into it with the same mentality – positive, ready to go, ready to fight – and that’s all we can do.”

Galbraith ‘a fantastic signing’

Cresswell, who signed a new one-year contract last month, was among many players whose season was impacted by injuries, appearing in 26 matches across all competitions.

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In an effort to prevent a similar situation, Stoke appointed Damien Rhoden as head of medical and performance. Cresswell praised the setup implemented by Rhoden as “first class.”

“The main thing is trying to keep everyone fit, being available and that ultimately gives you the best chance. I think everyone knows what the Championship is like. It’s really demanding,” Cresswell noted.

Stoke has made substantial investments in their quest for promotion, welcoming five new players, including £10m midfielder Ethan Galbraith.

Cresswell remarked that attracting the Northern Ireland international was a significant achievement.

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“I think everyone that follows the Championship thought ‘what a signing that was’,” he added. “You want these calibre of players to get you in the Premier League. He’s only been here a week or so and what a fantastic signing he looks and I’m really excited to watch him play this season.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, with two additional play-off spots available, Cresswell emphasized that competition will be fierce.

“Our aim is promotion and getting to those play-offs with an extra two spots. So we’ve got to stay positive and focus on that. I think this club is a Premier League club and our aim is to get back there.

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“We need to carry that on and push that bar further up and make the standards go even higher.”