Eastleigh sign Northampton defender Ryan Cresswell and Yeovil striker Ryan Bird

NORTHAMPTON TOWN centre-half Ryan Cresswell says Eastleigh’s ambition was what convinced him to sign for the National League promotion hopefuls.

The 28-year-old made 24 appearances for Northampton Town last season, scoring twice as the Cobblers won the League Two title.

However, rather than sticking around and fighting for opportunities in League One, Cresswell has opted to drop into Non-League, signing a three-year deal with Eastleigh.

“The ambition and the direction the club’s going in attracted me here,” the former Fleetwood and Southend defender told BBC Radio Solent. “It’s something I want to be a part of.

“I had a year left on my contract at Northampton. I could’ve stayed there and trained hard and pushed for a starting berth, but the manager seemed to make his mind up early that he wanted to bring his own players in.

“I’m all for that, it’s his choice. But, when this move came up, it wasn’t something I could turn down.”

The Spitfires have also signed former Portsmouth striker Ryan Bird, 28, after his release from League Two side Yeovil Town.

After making his name in Non-League with Burnham, where he scored over 100 times, Bird moved into the Football League with Pompey before spells at Cambridge United, Hartlepool and Yeovil.

Boss Chris Todd told the club’s website: “Ryan has been a target for some time, we tried to sign him before the last transfer window in January. Ryan was released by Yeovil and we moved quickly to secure the signature.”