West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko dead aged 64: Tributes pour in for 'gentle giant' as former Hammers goalkeeper and coach passes away after long battle with cancer

· DailyMail

West Ham have announced the death of their legendary former goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklosko aged 64.

West Ham paid tribute to their cult hero and 'gentle giant' Ludek Miklosko who has died at the age of 64.

Miklosko kept 126 clean sheets in eight years with the Hammers and is perhaps best remembered for an inspirational series of saves to deny Manchester United the title in 1995.

The popular Czech, signed from Banik Ostrava for £300,000, later returned to the club as goalkeeper coach and fans have continued to sing his name for many years.

West Ham's players held a moment of silence before training on Monday, and the club will honour him before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third round tie against Fulham .

There are also plans for a tribute at next month's Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers , where Miklosko spent the final three years of his playing career.

'Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man,' said West Ham in a statement released on Monday.

Miklosko, who won 42 international caps and represent Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in 1990, was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and announced three years later his decision to withdraw from further treatment.

His son Martin 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 team-mates 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.'

Read the original

People in this story

Related