City old boy Cresswell backs young Blade Erik to succeed (From York Press)

York City old boy Cresswell backs young Blade Erik to succeed

9:40am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Diary By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

FORMER York City favourite Richard Cresswell believes Bootham Crescent new boy Erik Tonne has the potential to become a Championship regular.

Tonne, who joined the Minstermen on loan prior to the transfer deadline, has already played in the Football League’s top tier, making two appearances for relegated Sheffield United last season, but his Bramall Lane team-mate Cresswell believes he will ply his trade there again.

Blades boss Danny Wilson obviously agrees having handed the 20-year-old Norwegian winger a two-and-a-half year contract extension with the League One promotion contenders last month.

Cresswell netted 24 goals in 111 outings for City before moving to Sheffield Wednesday in 1999 for a then club record fee of £950,000 and now reckons Tonne can make a big impact at his old team.

The Bridlington-born 34-year-old, who was on the pitch when Tonne scored his first league goal for United during September’s 4-0 win over Bury, said: “Erik’s a young lad who’s not played too much first-team football so it’s a great opportunity for him to get as many games as he can because he wants to do well.

“He’s got a great left peg and, once he gets a bit of confidence, I’m sure he will get a few goals. He has great technique and I’m sure City fans will see some great free-kicks from him.

“He has good awareness and is a young boy with bags of enthusiasm who just needs to learn the game a bit more. I’m sure City’s coaching team will help him develop and he will prove a good signing for the club.”

Cresswell also feels the skilful Scandinavian will have no problems adapting to the demands of non-League football, adding: “He’s played a few of games for us and done really well but I always encourage the younger players to go out on loan and I thinks it’s a good move for him and York.

“He’s a strong boy who works hard in the gym so I don’t think the physical side will be a problem and his English is really good so there will be no trouble there either. He’s just looking forward to playing in front of a crowd because reserve-team football just isn’t the same.”

Cresswell has watched the Minstermen “three or four times” this season, including October’s 2-1 home win over today’s Blue Square Bet Premier hosts Grimsby and has been impressed by what he has witnessed.

“I still live in the city so I get down to matches with my boys every now and then and I am hoping Erik can help them get promoted,” he said. “I enjoyed my time at York and I am sure Erik will.

“I went to the Grimsby game because my son was a ball boy and I enjoyed it. The team are playing some good stuff under a good manager and he’s the right man for the job in my opinion.”

Crux of matter

YORK City’s youth team are calling for donations to a bric-a-brac stall the apprentices will be holding at St Crux Church on Friday, February 24.

The players would also like to hear from volunteers who can help on the day with tea, coffee, homemade cakes and sandwiches being sold at the church near Marks & Spencers in Stonebow.

All money raised will go towards the York City youth development fund to help to ensure the survival of under-18 football at Bootham Crescent.

Anybody who can help should phone Sarah Andrew on 07904 646670.

Tickets are also still available for the youth team’s annual sporting dinner where former Newcastle and Coventry striker Micky Quinn will be the guest speaker.

The event is on Thursday, March 15, at York’s Park Inn Hotel. Tickets cost £37.50.

Dom Thomas will be the comedian and Jerry Earl the compere with lounge suits the dress code.

Anybody interested in trickets should phone Sarah Andrew on 07904 646670 or Phil Allan on 07791 538434.