Ray Stewart - West Ham Utd - The World's Most Expensive Teenager

West Ham Utd's signing of Ray Stewart was part of an ambitious plan to rebuild a notoriously fragile defence. The signing of the Dundee Utd teenager paid dividends in Ray's very first season. On the 40th Anniversary of his signing, Ray tells me all about his arrival in East London.

[@muddyboots8317]

Absolute legend, thank you Ray Stewart, you gave the club and fans so much joy ⚒️

[@boogeh3630]

Tonka doesn't realise how much he is adored at his East London home.

[@clayton8944]

Our best RB ever , brilliant player was our Tonka .

[@design7054]

Top bloke, great video. Tannadice produced a conveyor belt of top class talent during that period. Ray himself was subsequently replaced by Richard Gough and Maurice Malpas in defence in the following years to complement the brilliant partnership built between Davie Narey (of Brazil 'toe-poke' fame) and Paul Hegarty in the centre of defence. All went on to become Scotland players or regulars, in addition to guys like Paul Sturrock and Eamon Bannon (and a Ralph Milne who tore all across Europe to shreds during his United years, but was never capped), in an era when Scotland was still blessed with great talent. The lad Kirkwood he mentions near the end who played in the cup game became a stalwart in United's midfield during the 70s/80s glory years, so it worked out well for everyone! 17 years after Ray, United's Duncan Ferguson became another British transfer record (signing between British clubs).

[@neilfromdownunder9204]

Fantastic!!...What a great insight into the life of a young Ray Stewart from the man himself, well done Len in letting him share his experience as a young Hammer with us all and the reverence he still holds to this day of his fellow players, John Lyall and all the West Ham supporters. Thank you so much for sharing Len and may you share many more of these types of shows with us too!! .

[@rabbruce8232]

Fantastic player well done Ray a hammer for life 🤩

[@stiffler107]

i went with mum and dad to the final I was 12 at the time still have the programme and ticket stub to this day great day superb video

[@tonybowie1283]

Absolutely fantastic... Another top player... Another top video... Cheers Tonka...Cheers Len

[@peterjones2903]

Another good show Interesting insight into what happens behind-the-scenes good show

[@HammerDownUnder]

Top job again Len and cheers to Tonka for all the memories … proper gent … COYI

[@paul4798]

Watched him as a kid from the North Bank. Fabulous player, full on yes, but a good player as well. East London's favourite Jockney!!!

[@marklambert2777]

I remember thinking, "We've got our Peter Lorimer here". Those penalties were something else and it was a real added dimension to the team. The whole thing of whacking it with both feet ending up off the ground, was something to behold..

[@petersingh354]

One of my favourite players of all time. Love him with a passion COYI

[@oldskoolpaul89]

Great interview or a passage out of ray Stewart's life , a much indeared player for West Ham. Brilliant right back. For a man his size you wouldn't want to mess with . Up the hammers and thanks Len. Ps still have to get around to the extra time film piece ,but I will . 'X' ✊ keep the faith 👊

[@jimocon3534]

Thanks Len, Great player great days.

[@domdaly4358]

Great video what a player

[@andrewbanks3548]

I remember seeing ray Stewart in pubs around canning town and plaistow doing raffles for charity.imagine that now??? Different times very unassuming people..

[@BLUEsurf63]

Another fantastic documentary, remember Ray very well, and clearly has a lot of admiration for John Lyall.

[@sirrugglesby2190]

Agree! Top bloke! Met him in the Charleston pub with frankie Mac, we got very drunk! Great night!

[@andrewwickstead3802]

Preferred centre half!!!!! He was the best right back I have seen wear the claret and blue!!!!.......gave everything and was a fantastic footballer.... everyone talks about the Liverpool fullbacks today.. he was as good if not better... would be worth millions and millions today

[@robtylerblack2617]

Len you diamond mate. Irons

[@jamesfincham6653]

Great penalty aqainst Aston villa in the fa cup quarter final in 1980

[@jamesfincham6653]

Loved Tonka great player for west Ham

[@mojowarrior4578]

Great vid Len, thanks for uploading 👍

[@rolfvaughan4085]

This is an excellent channel for West ham fans. You deserve so many more subscribers.

[@sirrugglesby2190]

Subbed btw

[@CIMAmotor]

Tonka, you did lose at Wembley! Charity shield vs Liverpool, we lost 1-0 and you played.

[@WASPS1867]

Not really a major trophy is it

[@nickmullerITFC78]

his testimonial was against ipswich

[@danielm1144]

Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray stewart. Coyi