Steve Lomas confirmed as St Johnstone boss as chairman steps down

St Johnstone have confirmed former Manchester City and West Ham United player Steve Lomas as their new manager.

The ex-Northern Ireland midfielder has been appointed as successor to Derek McInnes, who last month left the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club for Bristol City.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “St Johnstone Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Lomas as the new team manager.

“The 37-year-old former Manchester City, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers midfielder - an experienced Northern Ireland international - joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract.”

Lomas was later introduced at a media conference, where chairman Geoff Brown announced he was stepping down from his role to make way for his son Steven.

Lomas said: “I’m delighted but I have mixed emotions with Geoff stepping down. I thought it was something I said in negotiations.”

Lomas revealed he had spoken to McInnes and previous boss Owen Coyle before accepting the offer.

“They said they are very loyal to the managers which is something, as a player of eight and a half years with Man City and West Ham, which is part of my ethos.”

Outgoing chairman Brown said: “I have stated through this process that I would consult the board and make sure the board was happy with the appointment.

“I have now decided that, as of today, I will stand down as chairman. Steve [Brown] will be my successor.

“The manager will have a one-to-one relationship with Steve. I have never been a believer in committees and boards.

“I believe in one-to-one relationships and I believe St Johnstone have done well with that in the past.”

Lomas, who will be assisted by former international team-mate Tommy Wright, left his post as West Ham reserve coach to take up the role.

“It’s the right time,” he said. “Even when I was playing I wanted to be a manager.

“The way I played, I was captain at most of my clubs.

“I never sat about waiting for it to happen. I have done my licences and courses and got experience at non-league level.

“I coached the youths at Norwich and the reserves at West Ham.

“I had a couple of offers before this but I feel this is the right club.”