FOOTBALL: New Hammers role for Lomas

But the former Northern Ireland international hasn’t ruled out a return home in future years

After Davy Platt’s departure there had been rumours that the former Coleraine Boys’ Secondary School pupil had shown an interest in the role.

Lomas rejected the rumours, but admitted that he hasn’t ruled out a return home - ‘never say never’, he said.

“I do keep an eye on the results from home, and I see that Coleraine have been doing really well since they got their new manager.

“I think that if I was ever to take a job back in Northern Ireland I would need to living there.

“It would be impossible for me to handle things from here.”

Lomas, now 37, enjoyed eight-and-a-half years at Upton Park, he is now in charge of the Reserve team.

And the former skipper made a winning start to his new role, with a 3-2 win over Arsenal.

“Things are going really well for me,” admitted Steve.

“It was good to start things off with a win.

“We had a few senior players in the squad which always helps. I was really pleased with the application and desire the players showed.”

And the former claret and blue skipper says he is delighted to be back.

“It is nice to be back, I still live in Essex from my West Ham days, so its really handy for me to get to training.

“I enjoyed my time here as a player, I was treated really well and there’s still staff here that were here when I was a player.”

Steve will be working alongside Tony Carr, Head of the Academy and of course first team manager, Avram Grant.

“Avram welcomed me to the Club when I was appointed. He is a really nice man.

“And Tony Carr has been at West Ham for years.

“There’s a good youth set up here. Tony [Carr] is a great coach and a great guy. And I hope I can learn from him.

“I still have a good affinity with the fans, as I was here for along time, so I’m looking forward to the coming months and our next game against Sunderland.

“I see my role as developing young players. But, as a Reserve manager you also have to deal with senior players that aren’t making it into the first team sqaud - they will be demotivated, but as a former player I have the experience to deal with this.”

He went on: “This will be a real learning curve for me.

“I’ve had a few part time managerial jobs but it’s good to get a full time post at big club on my CV. I’ve been working hard to get my coaching qualifications, so it’s good to be rewarded.”

REPORT BY: Nichola Forgrave