Lomax delighted with second chance

Last updated : 09 February 2007 By Dave Moore
After signing a new deal at Boundary Park, Kelvin Lomax is delighted with the 'second chance' he has been offered by the club. The deal will see Lomax remain at Athletic until the summer of 2008. The 20 year old was recalled to Boundary Park after being given the boot by previous boss Ronnie Moore.

Kelvin confessed to the official website, "I was at home last summer when Shez phoned me and said he wanted me to come back in to see how things went during pre-season. Obviously my future was uncertain when playing on two and three month deals, so I'm really made up after getting a longer contract. When the manager called me into his office I thought I'd be getting a deal until the end of the season so I'm delighted to get another year. It was a bit weird having not been on the bench for a while, but I just got on there and tried my best. Everyone said that I played really well, I thought I'd done OK, but it was nice to put in a good performance in front of Ronnie Moore after he had shown me the door. The knee injury I picked up while Ronnie was there probably didn't help as I didn't have much time to show him what I can do. I was a bit surprised at being released. I'd played a few games for the first team at a young age and considered myself well thought of. Obviously I just wasn't in his plans. Now I'm back in, and I've obviously worked with the manager before at reserve and youth level. I'm grateful for the opportunity to prove myself again and I know I'll always have a chance while Shez is in charge."

Sheridan added, "I've known Kelvin through youth and reserve level and he's my kind of player. He's intelligent, and I've always liked him although he needs to keep working on his defending. I gave him a chance in the summer and he's worked hard. Different managers like different people. I liked Kelvin but Ronnie didn't. He's come into the first team this season and hasn't let anyone down when called upon, in fact he would have stayed in the team barring his injury. Kelvin's a player I think I can continue to improve."