His return to England took him to London where he joined Queens Park Rangers in August 1921. His stay at Loftus Road was short-lived and the following year he returned to Southampton where he acted as cover to Tommy Allen. He made his first appearance for Saints for 14 years on 14 March 1923 in the FA Cup Fourth Round replay against West Ham United at Upton Park after Allen was injured in the first match as he bravely thwarted Vic Watson. Although Lock acquitted himself well in the two replays, he was unable to prevent West Ham going through to the White Horse Final at Wembley.