James Tomkins Bio Send To Friend  

Tomkins is a product of West Ham's youth academy who was thrust into the first team at the end of the 2007/08 season as manager Alan Curbishley gave young talent a chance to shine.

Highly thought of, the defender has been likened to former Hammers' graduate Rio Ferdinand.

Comfortable on the ball, the centre-back was handed his bow in a 1-1 draw at Everon and did well after being beaten by Yakubu for the Toffees eighth-minute opener. He played six times in the run-in, though West Ham did let in 12 goals during that period. Even so, it will prove to be great experience.

His performances earned a new, long-term contract, but in November he signed for Derby County on a five week loan spell.

Tomkins played eight times in all competitions for Derby County, during his loan spell, before being recalled to West Ham on 31 December 2008 by manager Gianfranco Zola.

He was also part of the England squad at the European Under-19 Championships in the summer of 2008.