Steve Lomas Named As New St Johnstone Manager

St Johnstone have today announced that the bookies favourite Steve Lomas has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to become their new manager. The 37-year-old succeeds Derek McInnes who left the club for Championship side Bristol City last month. The former Northern Ireland, West Ham and Man City midfielder joins an ambitious club that are currently flying high in fourth place in the Scottish Premier League (SPL). Shortly after making the appointment the club's chairman, Geoff Brown, announced he was pulling the curtains on his 25-year reign at the club and has been succeeded by his son Steve.

Lomas has never played or managed in the SPL which may be of slight concern to some supporters. On retiring from playing the game the Ulsterman worked as a coach at Norwich City before experincing his first managerial job at non-league side St Neots Town, and then most recently working as reserve team manager at former club West Ham. Lomas will now look to maintain St Johnstone's impressive start to the season as he aims to prove he is the right man for the job.

Lomas' first match in charge will be live on Sky Sports at McDiarmid Park against Aberdeen on Monday night. Aberdeen are yet to win on the road this season and a win for St Johnstone would strenthen their position in fourth place. Paddy Power have the hosts available at 13/10 to get off to a winning start under their new manager, while Aberdeen have been handed odds of 21/10, with a draw priced at 9/4.

All odds provided by Paddy Power.