- Ray Winstone talks to West Ham TV about his nostalgic role in Iron Men
- Film charts the Hammers' departure from the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium
- Hollywood star was among those in attendance at east London premiere earlier this month
His glittering career includes Hollywood blockbusters and BAFTA nominations, but when it comes to the film closest to his heart, Ray Winstone’s latest starring role will take some beating.
Iron Men, ON SALE NOW, tells the historic, emotional story of West Ham United’s final season at the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, and focuses on the journey of several key figures following the Club, including legendary actor and lifelong Hammers fan Ray.
The 60-year-old spoke exclusively to West Ham TV at the world premiere of Iron Men last week, and revealed what persuaded him to sign up to a true labour of love.
"You start getting nostalgic," said Ray. "When you talk about where you were brought up and what West Ham means to you, not just as a person but as part of a community.
"For me, the film is about where we came from, and that’s why I wanted to do it, to talk about that history but also to talk about the future and where we want to go."
While the film provides an emotional trip down memory lane for Hammers fans, it is a journey that also looks forward to an exciting future at London Stadium, and Ray didn’t hesitate when giving his views on the Club’s new home and the progress being made under Slaven Bilic.
For me, the film is about where we came from, and that’s why I wanted to do it, to talk about that history but also to talk about the future and where we want to go
Ray Winstone
"We had to move," he said. "If you want to be a bigger club, in this day and age, that is the approach you have to take.
"I like the past, I like thinking about, but in football terms we needed to move on. And I think when the team are really playing well, the atmosphere will be there and the stadium will be a fortress.
"I like Slaven, he is everything that West Ham is," added Ray. "He has got heart, he has got passion, and he knows his football.
"Early on, I wasn’t sure if there was a Plan B. We were great away from home, set up to hit teams on the break, but we needed something else at home.
"But then Andy Carroll came back, we’ve had pace in wide areas, and the home form has been getting better and better. We’re getting there I think."
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