When Simon Dawkins' successful loan spell at the San Jose Earthquakes came to an end in 2012, he always had a sense that he was saying au revoir and not adieu.

And after falling out of favour at Derby County, the Jamaica international seized the chance to return to his beloved old club in January.

Having being signed by Steve McClaren, Dawkins relished the opportunity to finally make it in the English game after failing to make the grade at Tottenham Hotspur.

But following McClaren's departure, he made just one appearance this season, starting in the Capital One Cup first-round tie at Portsmouth in August.

While in England, Dawkins followed the Earthquakes' progress, kept in touch with general manager John Doyle and harboured ambitions to return to the club, whom he helped win the Supporters' Shield in 2012.

Now he is back - as a Designated Player no less - the 28-year-old wants to make his second spell at the Earthquakes as successful as his first.