After 10 years at Walsall, he could be forgiven for being a bit disorientated, but he insists:
"The lads have made me feel welcome and I am rooming with Rufus Brevett so that has been an eye-opener.
"He is a Derby lad as well so we will show the southern lads what it is all about."
He made his debut against Umea on Tuesday, playing half a game, and says:
"It is just about getting back to games, getting the positioning right, and fitness - you can't read too much into things at this stage.
"It was good to get a West Ham shirt on and get a clean sheet. We had a hard week up to it and there is a lot of hard work still to be done."
He had a slight strain but says:
"The hamstring was a bit tight and, although we played on astroturf that was very good, it is still not the same as grass. I have had a bit of treatment on it and it is fine."
James is getting to know his new 'oppo' Steve Bywater, and adds:
"It is nice to work with him and up close you see even more what a good keeper he is; whoever plays will wish the other all the best. That is why there is a goalkeepers' union - you have to get on, it is an unwritten rule!
"We are going for the same position but Steve is a great lad and a great keeper so whatever happens will be for the best."
James will wear the number 23, rather than number 13 shirt, and admits:
"That is superstition!"