JACK Payne insists he has had no regrets since leaving Southend United.

The 23-year-old - who will be back at Roots Hall with Bradford City tomorrow - opted to leave the Shrimpers to join Huddersfield Town in 2016.

And Payne - who has since been out on loan at Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers before teaming up with the Bantams - believes he was right to move on from Blues.

“I was out of contract and I wasn’t able to get the contract sorted, which I was disappointed with,” said Payne.

“But it was about ambition for me and going to the next level because in football you never know what might happen.

“I might have come back to Southend and I might not have played or I might not have had another opportunity.

“In a lot of cases it’s important to take the opportunity when you get the chance and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed what’s happened.”

Payne came through the youth system at the Shrimpers before scoring 17 goals in 88 games for the first team.

But the attacking midfielder fully enjoyed testing himself in the Championship with Huddersfield and remains determined to get back to that level.

“I had the season at Huddersfield, which was brilliant playing in the Championship and we got promoted,” said Payne.

“I wasn’t ready for the Premier League right away and could’ve done with an extra season.

“It wasn’t meant to be but I can’t complain because it was a great season.

“I’ve had to drop back down to get more games under my belt but I want to climb back up the ladder again as soon as I can.

“Every club I’ve been to and everything I’ve done has been a good experience and I’m loving my football so I don’t regret anything.

“I’m happy with how things have worked out and I’m lucky to have been part of three promotions.”

Payne will now be aiming to make it four with Bradford City and is looking forward to being back at Roots Hall.

“It’s always special for me to come back and it’s always the first game I look for when the fixtures come out,” said Payne.

“I’m looking forward to it and there are still a lot of people at the club I know so it will be exciting for me.

“But I’m still very ambitious and want to get into the Championship soon and then see what happens.

"I’ve seen what it takes to get there and I believe I can do it."