“The obvious high was winning the [UEFA Europa] Conference League, which was long overdue for this Club, and once you’re a Hammer, you’re always one, so I’m sure I’ll be back at some point, once I’m gone.
“The main priority today was trying to win the game, and I was fully concentrated on that going into it. Then, after, it’s more about reflection. I’m just very grateful for every time I’ve been able to pull on this great jersey, and every time I’ve worn it I’ve done it with pride and given everything I’ve got.”
On the pitch, the Irons found themselves on the back foot when Morgan Gibbs-White profited from a defensive mistake to make it 1-0 to the visitors early on, and then Nikola Milenković doubled their advantage with an effort that came off his shoulder just after the hour.
Jarrod Bowen did pull a goal back with a stunning volleyed strike four minutes from the end of normal time, and though there were 16 minutes added on, Forest managed to stand firm to seal the full share of the spoils.
Cresswell continued: “I just think we struggled to really get going. The first half was a bit sticky, and from our point of view the goal we conceded was a sloppy one.