Ludek Miklosko, the former West Ham keeper, has died aged 64

Farewell to a legend

West Ham fans sang about Ludek Miklosko even about a quarter of a century after he left The Hammers.

The club revealed on Monday that the club’s former goalkeeper has died.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko”, West Ham said in a statement.

“Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man”.

Three years after his cancer diagnosis, the Czech former goalkeeper and coach withdrew from his cancer treatment in December 2024.

It was only a few days later that he returned to the London Stadium for a match against Liverpool to a hero's reception.

“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game”, his son Martin said following his death.

Miklosko ahead of the Premier League match between West Ham and Liverpool at London Stadium on December 29, 2024. Credit: Getty Images

What Ludek Miklosko meant so much to The Hammers

It was in February 1990 when Miklosko arrived from Banik Ostrava for £300,000, the first footballer to move from Czechoslovakia to England, after a two-month wait for a work permit during which he trained alone.

He then started his time in England in a hotel aged 28, with little grasp of English and no car, getting lifts to training from Ian Bishop and Trevor Morley.

For the London club, he made 374 appearances and was Hammer of the Year as West Ham won promotion in 1990-91.

Miklosko during the FA Premiership match between West Ham and QPR in November 1995. Credit: Getty Images

That said, the legendary keeper is best remembered for the final day of 1994-95, when West Ham drew 1-1 with a Manchester United side needing a win to finish top, handing the title to Blackburn.

Meanwhile, for Queens Park Rangers he won 42 caps and later played 57 league games.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Fulham, West Ham will hold a period of appreciation and have dedicated their home match against QPR on 9 October to him.