Jackson Longridge says it feels like he’s never left.
The 25-year-old defender enjoyed three years with Livingston and was an integral member of the side that achieved consecutive promotions from League One to the Premiership.
However, he didn’t complete that journey with the club as he left for Dunfermline Athletic after the Lions sealed their return to the top flight.
Now he’s back at the Tony Macaroni Arena and loving life once again following a frustrating spell down south with League Two outfit Bradford City.
The left-back featured 122 times during his first spell and made his second debut a fortnight ago as a late substitute in the Betfred Cup semi-final win over St Mirren.
Signed to a two-and-a-half year deal, Longridge admits it will take him time to get back up to the speed of things but is up for the challenge.
He said: “It feels like I never left and it’s good to be back.
“There’s no regrets about going down south. I took a chance and I felt like I didn’t get the opportunity that was spoken about. That’s just the way it was and I took it as a learning curve.
“It’s just about grafting and working hard for the team and being happy so I’m delighted to be here again.”
He added: “I was given the no.3 shirt at Bradford and was told I would get game time but I didn’t get as much as I had hoped.
“I can’t really change the past but hopefully I can get more game time here at Livingston.”
Longridge failed to start a league game with the Bantams and featured in just 10 games overall during 18 months at Valley Parade while also having a spell on loan at National League side Torquay United.
A lot has changed in the near three years since his departure – but the key to Livi’s success remains the same.
“They’re flying just now and playing with confidence,” he said.
“They’re working hard and doing that better than most teams in the league. They get what they deserve.
“Not much has changed since I left to be honest in that regards. That was put into us when I was here. If you work hard you’ll get the rewards and I think that’s just carried on to this team.
“Everyone has taken that on board and we all work hard for each other.
