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The Rayo aficionado - with Richard Wyatt (11th August, 2017)

Richard Wyatt is a Blackburn Rovers and Rayo Vallecano fan - and a postdoctoral researcher based in Lancashire, UK. You can follow him on Twitter here.

How long have you been a fan of Rayo and what made you support them in the first place?

About 4 years. It was initially the Laurie Cunningham connection as well as the politics of their fans. which attracted me to the club.

How would you describe the fans in the stadium, and how intimidating is the stadium for opposition fans and players?

Loud, ultra-led and politically left wing!

To an outsider - how would you describe Rayo's playing style?

Under Paco Jémez, it was very attacking and buccaneering. Last season the play was quite dull though...

How would you describe the last few seasons for Rayo fans?

Last season was a low due to the poor football on show. Previously, the club had over achieved by being in the Primera for so long.

What is your opinion on the utilization of the youth teams? How would you rate the opportunities that youth players get in the first team?

The team was getting quite old and stale. However, there has been some good younger players being utilized more recently such as Fran and Embarba.

List some things you appreciate and some things you can’t stand about the club management. Rant away :)

Presa veta ya. Rayo Oklahoma and the attempted signing of Zozulya sums up the ineptitude of the board. It’s a shame as the club has the potential for growth if the club was run more efficiently i.e. selling merchandise which is easy to buy etc.

What are your thoughts on the Bukaneros? How would you describe them and their political affiliations? How would you characterize the board's support to them?

I am politically left wing so I approve of most of their activities. I don't always agree with everything they do but they are certainly crucial in the clubs identity.

Now, for some fun
Any favorite Rayo song/chant?

La Vida Pirata (The Pirate's Life).

Favorite player? 

My favorite player is Roberto Trashorras.

What is your favorite thing about Rayo?

My favorite thing about the club is their working class and left wing identity.

Which websites/newspapers/people do you get your Rayo information from?

Paul Reidy mainly who works for AS.

 Your thoughts on the season ahead?

Hopefully they will challenge at the top end of the league!
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