Stoke must push the bar higher - Cresswell

Stoke City full-back Aaron Cresswell says the Potters will do everything they can to "push the bar higher" this season after a frustrating campaign.

After sitting second in late November, the Potters' promotion challenge fell away amid a persistent injury crisis as they ultimately finished in 17th place, 18 points adrift of the play-offs, to dash hopes of a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018.

"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."

Cresswell, who signed a new one-year contract last month,, external was one of many players to have their season affected by injury having made 26 appearances in all competitions.

In an effort to avoid a repeat, Stoke appointed Damien Rhoden as head of medical and performance and Cresswell said the way he has set things up is "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 said.

Stoke have invested significantly in their latest bid to get back to the top flight with five new players arriving, including £10m midfielder Ethan Galbraith.

Former West Ham defender Cresswell said attracting the Northern Ireland international to the club was a real coup.

"I think everyone that follows the Championship thought 'what a signing that was'," he said.

"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."

As for the coming campaign, with two more play-off places available, Cresswell said the competition will be even more intense.

"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.

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