Ludek Miklosko, West Ham goalkeeping great, dies at 64

Ludek Miklosko, the goalkeeper who became one of the most popular figures in West Ham's history, has died aged 64 following a battle with cancer.

The Czech made 373 appearances for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997, then returned to the club as a goalkeeping coach. West Ham said in a statement: "It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Luděk Miklosko. Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man."

Miklosko was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 after finding a lump on his hip. He withdrew from treatment in December 2024, once the disease had spread to his stomach, and days later returned to the London Stadium as a Guest of Honour for a Premier League fixture against Liverpool. Supporters gave him a hero's reception and have long sung a chant in his name: "My name is Luděk Mikloško, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham."

Born in Prostějov, in what was then Czechoslovakia, in December 1961, Miklosko started out with Baník Ostrava as a schoolboy. He then spent two seasons on national service with RH Cheb — — before returning to Baník for nine seasons. He went on to become the club's sporting director in recent years, and Baník paid tribute to him on Social media following the news.

At West Ham, Miklosko won two promotions and reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup. His best-remembered afternoon in claret and blue came in 1995, when a man-of-the-match display denied Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United the title on the final day of the season. He later played for Queens Park Rangers and won two caps for the Czech Republic.

Tributes have followed from across the game. Julian Dicks, his former West Ham team-mate, wrote on Social media: "Very sad news today, the passing of Ludo, I will see you again one day my friend. Plus don't forget to have a Czech Bud waiting for me."