IT’S the fixture that Adam Thompson has twice looked out for.

As soon as the schedule came out, the centre half was scouring the list to find out when he would be heading back to former club Southend.

He had originally expected to make the trip back to Roots Hall with Bury after his summer move north.

But by the time Southend beat them 1-0 in October, he was already well settled with City on a season-long loan.

So tomorrow’s reunion has been a while coming for a player who made 121 appearances for the Shrimpers.

“It’s a game I’ve been looking forward to since the beginning of the season,” said Thompson. “I looked out for the date with Bury and then when I came to Bradford, I saw when they were playing Southend as well.

“I had four great years there, played a lot of games and have a lot of really good memories. I know a lot of the lads still there and it will be good to go back.

“If I’m not playing, I’ll still be in the squad and have the chance to see everyone.”

Southend are currently mid-table and were given a rocket by Phil Brown after their 3-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

But they are also the only side still unbeaten at home – an added incentive for a City side who have recently knocked off similar records for top two Wigan and Shrewsbury.

Thompson added: “It’s a tight ground and it’s good if you’re playing at home, that’s why they do so well there. The fans are right on top of you and the away players get a bit of stick.

“But our away form is also very strong so it matches up to be a really good game.

“At Southend last year, I think we were in a similar position at this time. But then we went 17 games unbeaten and just missed out on the play-offs by one point.

“They have got that in them to go on a long run and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them up there again.”

Outspoken boss Brown admitted he was unsure if he had the full backing of his Southend squad following last weekend’s loss which leaves them seven points off the top six in 12th.

But Thompson insists he is still doing a good job at the Essex club.

“He’s definitely a character and I’m sure he’s a journalist’s dream with some of the quotes.

“But that’s just how he is. That’s why he is so well known in the game.

“He was good for me as a player and we did well under him. We got promotion and solidified mid-table in our first year up and then just missed out on the play-offs.

“He never sat us down on the pitch at half-time! That was a one-off thing but he definitely gave us some dressing downs at times when we deserved it.”

Thompson has found opportunities hard to come by so far at Valley Parade – his late arrival from the bench against Rochdale was only his tenth outing.

But he is open to making the move permanent and is not expecting the change at the top at Bury to affect his situation.

Thompson said: “They’ve had a couple of decent results since the new manager (Chris Lucketti) has come in, so I’m sure he’ll be just wanting to work with the players who are with him. He’s not really thinking about anyone else.”