West Ham United defender James Tomkins says he is relishing the prospect of working with new head coach Slaven Bilic this season.

There are currently two groups of players undertaking training, with Tomkins and those who will face FC Lusitans in tonight's Europa League first round qualifier in London and the rest of the squad with Bilic in Ireland.

And speaking to the Hammers website, the centre-half explained he was looking forward to finally getting to work with the former West Ham favourite.

“At the minute, the gaffer is training with the other group in Cork and the lads are saying how good training is. All good managers have that presence. As soon as they come into the room you can hear a pin drop at times and that is the kind of presence he has got.

“I have met him myself briefly and he’s really excited to be involved with us this year, he has stated that in the press. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Bilic was a fans' favourite during his time at Upton Park and Tomkins is expecting a warm reception when the Croat returns to east London to oversee tonight's clash against the Andorran minnows.

“The manager is someone who has made a great name for himself here," he mused. "The fans loved him and he will be warmly introduced to everyone on Thursday.

“We are all looking forward to working with him.”