Jake Livermore looking to repay faith of Hull City on the field

Hull City's Jake Livermore (centre) competes against Sheffield Wednesday's Glenn Loovens.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to a Premier League return next month with the Tigers. It will come 12 months on from the ban that followed a failed drugs test that put Livermore’s career in jeopardy.

What only those closest to him knew at the time, however, was the tragic death of his baby son during birth that had led to Livermore taking cocaine.

The Football Association, on learning the truth, ruled that there had been an overwhelming mitigating factor behind his use of drugs and lifted the ban last September. Livermore went on to become a key member of the Hull side that won promotion last May.

Now, ahead of the Tigers returning to the elite, the London-born midfielder has thanked all those who supported him during those dark days.

“Those who stood by me, I will be forever grateful,” said Livermore when speaking at Hull’s training camp in Portugal.

“The owners, the manager and those behind the scenes. They have made my life much easier on my return and I thank them all for that.

“I feel to have come back a stronger person, definitely. And if I can help any of my team-mates like they have helped me, I will be there. I will be forever indebted to them and the staff and yourselves (in the local media).

“As for the fans, I wish I could thank them all individually and just give them all a kiss and a cuddle. That is how I feel.

“Hopefully, I can show my appreciation on the field. I feel much stronger now. Let’s all move forward and push forward together.”

Livermore’s return to the top flight was sealed last May by a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley in the play-off final.

He added: “It means the world to me to be back in the Premier League, as you can imagine. It is where I want to be and it is where I feel me and my team-mates should be.”

Asked if he had a greater appreciation of life after what he has been through, Livermore replied: “That is a difficult one. I have always liked to think I have been appreciative and humble in what I do and what I’ve achieved. But there is a greater buzz, a greater love for things. Maybe that was God’s way of doing it but it is all in the past now.”