RICHARD Cresswell turned down the chance of bigger wages elsewhere to begin a third chapter in his York City career.

The 35-year-old forward, who came through the youth ranks at Bootham Crescent in the 1990s, has signed a one-year deal with the Minstermen having helped the club preserve their Football League status during a loan spell from Sheffield United last season.

Cresswell was paraded in front of supporters prior to last night’s 1-1 home friendly draw against Huddersfield Town and City manager Nigel Worthington was delighted to have him on board for the 2013/14 campaign.

The Bridlington-born forward had the opportunity to stay at Bramall Lane for a further year, as well as other options that would have earned him more money than returning to his first club. Commenting last night, Worthington said: “Richard’s had a fantastic career and everybody needs money to live.

“It could have been easy for him to go elsewhere and pick up more money.

“He was also asked to stay at Sheffield United for another year and, while we might be his home-town club and on his doorstep, he could have picked his money up there whether he was involved or not. But it shows the size of the man that he did not want to go down that avenue.”

Cresswell combined playing for the Blades with a coaching role last season and, whilst he will not be forming part of Worthington’s official backroom staff, the City boss still expects him to have a mentoring influence at the club, adding: “I was delighted to get Richard in at the end of last season when he played a huge part in keeping this football club in the League just by having him around the place.

“I feel there’s a real story to be written now because he started his career here and, while he might not start every game this season because at 35 or 36 you don’t expect that, his presence will be immense. He will help the younger players.

“As much as we coaches can work with players, it sometimes means a bit more when it comes from a fellow professional and, if you look at the career he’s had, you can only respect him.”

City took the lead in last night’s friendly against a strong Huddersfield side through new signing Wes Fletcher after just two minutes.

Terriers substitute Daniel Carr earned the Championship club a share of the spoils on 81 minutes but Worthington was encouraged by his team’s display, saying: “I was very pleased with the performance against a team who are two divisions higher than us.

“We started the game fantastically well and got a quick goal slotted in by Wes. I think we are coming along nicely.

“Overall, I am pleased with the group that’s almost complete now for the start of the season.”

Worthington is now hoping to have a new left back in place for Saturday’s home match against Blackpool with centre-back Tom Allan having filled that role last night and Jamal Fyfield out with a thigh problem.

After showcasing his new side for the first time last night, Worthington also insisted that his summer recruitment drive for bigger players would not lead to his sacrificing his football principles.

He added: “We have bigger players who have an ability to play football because, in the ten games I was here last season, I identified that League Two was a physical division. I do not play long ball in any shape or form though and never have done.

“I was at Norwich City for six or seven years and their supporters demand you play football.”

Citing impressive new midfielder Lewis Montrose as epitomising that blend of power and ability, Worthington said: “He is a monster with a real presence but has a real cultured touch on the ball and a voice on the pitch too.

“We’ve got some good pros, whose attitude is first class.”

Midfielder John McReady missed the game with a thigh problem.