'Tonka' is absolutely supportive of Glenn Roeder's efforts to get things going at Upton Park, where he comes to watch whenever he can from his base in Scotland, and says: "I just hope the team can pick some points up, get to the other side of the league by the turn of the year, and push on from there.
"I hope Glenn can turn it round. People never gave him a chance last year and he stuck two fingers up to people having proved them wrong.
"But this is another year and he has to prove himself again. That is how football is - the bottom line."
Ray was, of course, part of the 1985-86 team that finished third, and he recalls: "In the 1986 team there were no stars, we were all in it together on and off the field and the spirit was great.
"I'm not saying the spirit isn't good now, it just needs a run of results to boost the confidence.
"When you look at the quality of players Glenn has got in the team it is just frightening, and maybe it just needs a bit of passion and drive again, I don't know - but I just wish them all the best to get the results that they need.
"They have got all the ability but it is not just about that - the best players don't always make the best teams, as we proved in 1986.
"We had a team of mixed abilities that all gelled together from the top right down to the bottom, and I'd love to see that again.
"Watching the video of the 1985-86 season, which I did for the first time recently, sends a shiver up your spine.
"I'll have to order a copy - but I doubt I will get a discount!"
Ray, currently looking for coaching or managerial work, adds: "You certainly cannot pick and choose your jobs in football now. I have just got to sit and wait and keep perservering, plugging away.
"I just want an opportunity because I think I have got something to offer and I'd like to show it, but the game has certainly changed a lot now."
Ray still keeps in touch with the man who took the Hammers to that third spot, John Lyall, and he adds: "John was up in Scotland with his brother recently and we had a drink and a meal together, talking about old times, and he is so relaxed now it is unbelievable.
"When you see Bobby Robson doing a good job, you think someone like John would do equally as good a job.
"But he has obviously chosen to retire and spend time with his family doing the things they missed out on in the past.
"John has never spoken badly about anyone and, John being John, I don't think he is ever going to change.
"He might feel bitter regarding things that happened to him and we might all feel the same, but certainly in my conversation with him he never mentioned anybody in a bad light and I credit the man for that.
"That is typical of John - he is such a respected man you wouldn't expect anything but that.
"He always used to say to me 'if you have nothing nice to say about someone don't say aything at all' - and that is John Lyall for you.
"His number is there and if I need any help at all his is the first number I ring and he has always got time to speak to me, as has his wife."