SOUTHEND United star Jack Bridge is finally relishing playing problem-free for the Shrimpers.
Bridge has stayed loyal to his home-town club throughout his career, turning down a move to Arsenal in his youth before playing without a permanent contract at the start of last season.
And the left wing-back is now enjoying being able to focus on just his football.
“The last few years since I’ve come back there have been all sorts of things going on on and off the pitch but I’d like to think we’re the most stable we’ve been since I’ve come back,” said Bridge.
“We want to take that onto the pitch and we have confidence again with the run we’re on but we want to keep that going.
“I’m looking forward to the game and I love playing my football here “I love the home games and we get such good away support everywhere we go too.”
Bridge, who has been with Blues for a combined total of 15 years, looks set to start again against Yeovil Town at Roots Hall on Saturday.
And Bridge is eager to pick up three points as Kevin Maher’s side look to work their way up from 14th in the National League table.
“The table is what it is and we know how good we are as a group,” said Bridge.
“We’re not happy with where we are and Saturday is a chance to move up the table which is what we want to do.”
However, Bridge also knows seventh placed Yeovil will be tough to beat.
“We played them last year, even though they weren’t in the National League,” said Bridge.
“We played them in the FA Cup and we know what they’re about.
“They’re a tough team to play and no game in this league is ever going to be straight-forward.
“We know we’ve got to turn up but if we play the way we know we can and the way we did last weekend I think we’ll give ourselves a good chance to win the game.”
Blues were beaten 4-3 by Charlton Athletic in the dying seconds of extra time in the FA Cup last weekend.
And Bridge is fully fit to feature again this weekend having recovered from the cramp he suffered late on against the Addicks.
“I struggled massively towards the end but all the boys went through the pain barrier to keep going towards the very end,” said Bridge.
“It was massive for us but that’s what we’ve been about at this football club for a while now but we’ll be good to go again on Saturday now.
“It’s unfortunate the way it ended against Charlton but we’ll take positives from the way we played and take that into the league now.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here