Tomka’s plan (From Echo)

Tomka’s plan

10:37am Thursday 26th May 2011 in West Ham

BASILDON born James Tomkins is hoping to bounce back next season following a frustrating campaign with West Ham United.

The centre-back was one of the few bright spots of the 2010/11 campaign. And he is determined to play a part in helping the Hammers bounce back up to the Premier League at the first attempt.

“It is disappointing the way the season ended,” said Tomkins, a former Chalvedon School pupil. “We have got to start afresh next season and rebuild this club.

“We need to work hard together to get this club back to the Premier League, where it belongs.

“We have got a great chance of getting up straight away next season but we have got to draw a line under what’s happened and look to the future. We owe that to the fans.”

West Ham ended the season bottom of the Premier League table, having won just seven of their 38 matches. They signed off for the summer with a 3-0 defeat against Sunderland at Upton Park.

But, despite the disappointing result, Tomkins would not mind Kevin Keen staying in charge of the team as he knows the caretaker chief well from his time within the Academy and reserves team.

“Kevin has been excellent for us,” said Tomkins. “He is one person that you can say has been positive throughout the year.

“All the lads respect him and I have worked with him for a long time now. I personally think he would be brilliant for the job.”