On a trip to Scotland last year, staying near Dundee, I decided to visit one of Scotland’s lesser-known teams, Second Division Forfar Athletic.
It wasn’t a match day, and being a “football geek,” I did the usual walk around the outside of the stadium. Spotting a gentleman who appeared to work there, I asked if I could take some pictures inside the ground.
That gentleman was Martin Gray, who has spent 30 years working at Station Park. He was very welcoming, and after I shared my support for West Ham, he told me that back in 2003, an ex-Hammers legend had managed Forfar and still visits now and again. That player was none other than former penalty maestro Ray Stewart.
“Tonka,” as he was affectionately known, needs no introduction to many Hammers fans, having spent 12 years in the East End, playing over 345 games and scoring 62 goals, predominantly from the penalty spot! He signed a two-year contract in January 2003 with Forfar after leaving Stirling Albion in 2002.
The ex-Hammer made his name as a manager at Livingston, where he won promotion to Division One during a successful two-and-a-half-year reign that began in 1997.
He sadly left Forfar in November 2004 with a 34.48% win rate. In 87 games, the “Loons” won 30, drew 26, and lost 31.
I also learned that in 1981, Frank McAvennie played in a 1-1 draw when St Mirren visited Station Park. McAvennie was the player who equalised after Forfar had taken a 1-0 lead.
It was a humbling experience to see football at the opposite end of the spectrum, and the Scottish League Two club is now my adopted second team. Martin is a real legend, working tirelessly for the club he loves.
If you ever find yourself in Scotland, please do visit to watch a game. As an alternative to pie and mash, I highly recommend the Forfar Bridie, a famous Scottish pasty!
