In a season when us Hammers have been celebrating the amazing form of Vladimir Couval, ClaretandHugh has swooped for a new columnist who was a legend in the position for 12 years and made 345 appearances scoring 62 goals – most of them thunderous penalties from a boot of fire!
RAY STEWART – or ‘Tonka’ as he became known to us will be giving us regular blogs in conversation with Hughie Southon and in his first discusses the brilliant Czech full back and the squad his pal David Moyes is building
By Ray Stewart
First let me say it’s a real pleasure to have joined the ClaretandHugh team particularly at such an exciting time for the club which is looking in brilliant shape.
I’m a jock of course but a Hammer to my backbone. This is my club and like everybody else I couldn’t be happier about what’s happening under David Moyes whom I count as a good friend.
I have to start by looking at the brilliant Vladimir Coufal who has been utterly outstanding since he arrived at the club.
The job he did on Jack Grealish has of course brought a lot of humorous images and captions and with help from Ryan Fredericks he really sorted the lad out.
Let me say this straight away – he’s the best right-back we have had at the club SINCE ME. I’m not being conceited because I think that is just a fact. Timmy Breaker was very good but this lad is absolutely top-notch.
I love everything about his game: his overlaps, tackling crossing, the way he gets close to his man and he’s now getting forward and starting to take a few shots.
He hasn’t had a bad game for the club yet – a brilliant find but all of us really enjoyed the Grealish confrontation in particular for a variety of reasons. of course.
Obviously – for the simple reason that I played in that position – he is already my Hammer of the Year – but my goodness that’s gonna be a hard one to sort out.
I love what Moysie is doing at the club. It’s been a great ride and having known him a long time I know he will never buy a player for the sake of it.
He has said that many times and he is no kidder. What he says is what he means so that puts to bed any suggestions that he is trying to protect the board or anything of that nature which I’ve read here and there.
He’s a terrific manager and if he can’t find a player or two to improve the squad he will keep his money in his pocket. Simple as that and that’s how it should be.
It’s great to be on board – see you next time!
Ha ha well said Ray I agree with all you say, although Vlad the destroyer has got plenty of time to get even better for us. He’s already a favourite of mine very under the radar, and wow how do we pick Hammer of the year ⚒⚒
Just said a similar thing on an earlier post and now I see C&H have made a great signing themselves. Looking forward to hearing more from Ray – a proper defender, just like Coufal. And please use any excuse to repeat that pic of Coufal in Grealish’s rear-view mirror – still making me chuckle days later. COYI.
Firstly thanks Ray for joining Hughs site during these exciting times,shades of 86.My memories of you playing was your penalty kicks.I assumed thats how you got the nickname Tonka.No one else in your time struck a harder pen. than you,but got told at UP that its you are as tough as as theose metal kids toys.You are the best defender,Vlads,is on a flawless run,and i agree with you that the player of the year will be a difficult call.
Welcome Ray. Looking forward to reading your opinions on our beautiful team. Any chance you could pass on penalty taking tips to Coufal and the rest of the lads? I’m sure that Kevin and Stuart are giving loads of advice at training and practice but reinforcement from the Legend that is Ray Stewart would be encouragement beyond belief.
COYI
Welcome Tonka, you are one of my favourite players of all time, absolute class proper player, no one past or present could be a better judge and if he goes on to be as great a player for us as you have then we will all be chuffed COYI!!!
I agree there’s not been anyone close to Ray Stewart since Ray Stewart until Coufal. Ray Stewart was always one of my favourite players back in the day along with Bonzo, Brooking and Devonshire
What a signing. Ray Tonka Stewart. Well done Claret & Hugh. Yes a great signing. I really enjoyed watching Ray. Many great memories. What a full back, and what a guy. It’s been a long while since we have had a right back as good as Ray. Let’s hope we can look forward to as many years watching Coufal as we did watching Ray.
By the way. If you look up Vladimir Coufal in the dictionary, it reads. “Thou Shall NOT Pass”
Welcome back big fella. It’s so true about this amazing club – if you are in it, it’s forever. So lovely to have another great pro wearing his allegiance on his sleeve! Vlad Coufal is the real deal. The two Czech lads are so taken to our hearts already.
Hi Ray good to see you are giving your views on here. Look forward to seeing your comments. Gary Shaw your x hairdresser in Upminster. Good luck. Im now living in marbella
Welcome to the site, Tonka. Massive fan and great to get the insight of another top pro.
Well done Hugh for bagging the big man. Looking forward to the next instalment – I know Ray will say it as it is and not be a typical media darling.
Complete agree with that appraisal, and In Moyes I Trust.
I was as pleased as you Buddy – huge fan and lovely bloke. Privilege to have him with us
By coincidence, I had exactly the same point of view after the Villa game. Previously Ray Stewart would have been without doubt the best right back I had seen playing for West Ham, but since Coufal’s arrival it’s a tough call.