Lomas back in work

Former Hammer Steve Lomas had been appointed as manager of Scottish club St Johnstone.

Lomas, who played for West Ham for eight years between 1997 and 2005 and briefly managed the reserve team earlier this year was named as replacement for Derek McInnes (whose new club, Bristol City, held West Ham to a goalless draw earlier this week) by the SPL side this morning.

It is an appointment - his first full mangerial role - the likeable Irishman believes is the ideal way to begin his new career. Speaking in an interview with St Johnstone's website, he said: "I had a couple of opportunities in the summer but I just didn’t think they were right for me. But the St Johnstone job just feels like the right fit.

"I like the passion, honesty and commitment of Scottish players – all values I feel I have myself and that were part of my game when I played. Those are some of the values I want to instill in my team.

"I’ve chatted to [former managers] Owen Coyle and Derek McInnes about the club and they have spoken highly of the whole set up. They have told me it has the same values as I have. Loyalty is important [to me]; I gave eight and a half years to Manchester City and West Ham United.

"Even when I was playing I was thinking about going into management but I haven’t just waited for something to land in my lap. I’ve done my coaching badges and enjoyed my time at St Neots, with the youths at Norwich City and as reserve team manager at West Ham."

Lomas' spell as manager of West Ham's reserve team came to an abrupt end after just four months when the club were relegated from the Premier League in May of this year.

The reserve team was subsequently disbanded (as a result of having no league to play in this season) and replaced by the development squad, which is currently overseen by Ian Hendon who arrived at West Ham a month after Lomas' departure.

KUMB.com would like to wish Steve all the very best in his new role.