West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64 as tributes have poured in for the former Premier League star.
The former Hammers and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 after finding a small lump on his hip. That led to the discovery of more tumours and the brave ex-Czech Republic international made the heartbreaking decision not to have chemotherapy and to try to enjoy the best quality of life possible in his final days.
In a statement, West Ham said: “Everyone at West Ham United is deeply saddened by the passing of Ludek Miklosko at the age of 64, following a courageous battle with cancer. The hugely popular former goalkeeper, known fondly as ‘Ludo’ to the Claret and Blue Army, made 373 appearances for the Club during eight years as No1 between 1990 and 1997.
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“The incredible impact he had on the Club and the fondness with which he is remembered is heard every matchday, when supporters sing his iconic ‘My name is Ludek Miklosko, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham’ chant.”
Born in Prostěejov, Czechoslovakia, Miklosko began his career with Czech side RH Cheb before joining reigning Czech champions Banik Ostrava in 1982. He went to West Ham on trial in December 1989 and earned a £300,000 transfer to the Hammers under Lou Macari in February 1990.
He helped West Ham get promoted as runners-up from the old Second Division in the 1990-91 season, starring in a run to the FA Cup semi-finals and was named Hammer of the Year in 1991.
His famous Man of the Match performance against Manchester United on the last day of the 1994–95 season, in a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn Ground, helped secure Blackburn Rovers their first league title in more than 80 years ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils.
Having been replaced as number one by Craig Forrest in the 1996-1997 season, he moved to QPR on loan and then secured a permanent move across London. After hanging up his boots, he worked as West Ham’s goalkeeper coach between 2001 and 2010.
Miklosko later returned to the Czech Republic and workd for a sporting investment agency and from 2024 as sporting director at his former club Banik Ostrava.
West Ham United shared a statement from Martin Miklosko, the footballer’s son. He said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer.
“On behalf of my mum and my family, I would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone at West Ham United Football Club for the kind wishes, thoughts and prayers that were sent to my dad during his illness.
“We know that the many messages and wishes from his former teammates and fans alike were a huge sense of comfort to him in his battle with cancer, and gave him the strength to not give up and keep fighting for as long as he could.
“We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering.
“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game. The club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
West Ham added: “A period of appreciation to honour Ludek will be held before kick-off at Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Fulham, and our following home EFL Championship fixture, against Queens Park Rangers on Friday, October 9, will be dedicated to Ludek’s memory.
“Further tributes will also appear across Club channels in the coming days. Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”