Gary made his debut in the second half of the 5-4 defeat at Reading on Monday night but was not on the field for any of the goals.
To coin a phrase, it was something of a baptism of fire for Gary, who replaced Christian Dailly on 65 minutes, but he looked fit after his World Cup travails, and Tony says:
"I think he had a very good World Cup for the Republic of Ireland, and the alternative would have been going abroad for an unknown quantity.
"To get him for nothing - although he probably cost a few bob in wages - could turn out to be a good signing.
"It means four centre backs chasing two spots - or maybe even three if they play three centre backs next season - so it gives a bit of healthy competition to the squad.
"But I think Glenn will stick with the back four as he prefers that, and there will be a good battle for places."
Last season saw Christian Dailly play every game at centre half, while Tomas Repka, who joined just after the season began, was chosen whenever he was available.
But the re-emergence of Ian Pearce on the scene towards the end of last season, when he stood in for the injured Sebastien Schemmel at right back, and the signing of Gary, will mean quite a battle for a place.
But he still feels the onus is on Ian and Gary to dislodge the pair, and he adds:
"Christian got better as the season went on, I think it is fair to say, and he lacked a bit of confidence as the season started.
"Obviously the longer you play with a defensive partner as he did with Tomas Repka, the better the understanding you acquire - and he got that."
Alvin Martin, who partnered Tony in hundreds of games for the Hammers, quips when asked if he, Tony, or Gary is the best player:
"It is not a hard one, that - it is me!"
Meanwhile Tony feels that, with the start of the season looming, Glenn Roeder has a good squad to work with.
"I think in an ideal world he would like another couple of players but money is at a premium everywhere, so I feel he will just have to get on with what he has got," he concludes.