FORMER Southend United defender Ryan Cresswell is determined to rebuild his footballing career after revealing his alcohol addiction.

Cresswell made 54 appearances for the Shrimpers during the 2012/13 season, scoring eight goals.

But the 31-year-old centre-back has since worked his way down the League and has now explained why.

“They classed it as ‘functioning alcoholic’, because I was drinking then I was training,” Cresswell told Sky Sports News.

“So I’d stop, but I’d stop for two days, and then it would be, ‘I’ll just have one’.

“That one would turn into another two days on it, with training in between, on my own at the pub, or I’d latch onto a couple of locals.

“I drank to the state where I could walk home, act normal, but I’d blacked out.

“At the time I didn’t see it - but I did. That’s just denial. I knew that drinking wasn’t helping my injuries, but it was helping me get over them in my head.”

Cresswell finally revealed his drinking problem to those around him before checking into the the Sporting Chance clinic, a charity that provides care for athletes struggling with addiction.

The likeable Yorkshireman has now been sober for more than 200 days.

But Cresswell is fully aware his struggle is not over, despite the improvements he has made.

“I suppose I wanted someone to grab my arm when I was going to have a pint to stop me from doing it,” said Cresswell.

“I struggled to deal with my emotions, because every time I’ve felt an emotion, I’ve picked a drink up. I’ve gone 215 days and I still want to pick a drink up when I feel an emotion coming. But I’m not going to. Not today anyway.”

And Cresswell is hopeful his admission will also be able to help fellow footballers suffering similar problems.

“I know it will help football clubs,” he said.

“”I’ve had players that I used to play with, players I’ve played against, sending me messages like, ‘wow, didn’t realise you were in that position’. It means a lot and it’s quite emotional when players you’ve had battles against, or you’ve been sat in the changing room with, listen to what I’ve said.

“Players that do see this - and I hope they do - they’ll know themselves if they’re hiding something. I assure you, you aren’t going to keep them hidden forever. I hope this is going to be a stepping stone for players that need to go and ask for help but are scared to.”

Cresswell is now lining up for Boston in National League North and is enjoying his football once again.

“Being injury free, being able to go to the gym, not feel the aches and pains of a hangover is exciting,” he added.