West Ham Honors Club Legend Ludek Miklosko
Players and fans pay tribute to the former goalkeeper ahead of Carabao Cup tie following his death at age 64.
West Ham United paid tribute to club legend Ludek Miklosko on Tuesday night ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round match against Fulham. Miklosko's death at the age of 64 was announced on Monday following a long battle with cancer.
Players from both West Ham and Fulham observed a minute's applause in the center circle as a photograph of the former Czechia international was displayed on the stadium screens. Injured midfielder Tomas Soucek, also from Czechia, held a West Ham goalkeeper shirt with Miklosko's name and number 1 on the back. Soucek placed the shirt in one of the goals before laying it down in front of the home supporters. Sir Trevor Booking was also seen in the stands paying his respects.
Miklosko, who played for West Ham for eight years, recorded 126 clean sheets. He is particularly remembered for his performance in 1995, when his saves were credited with denying Manchester United the league title. The popular Czech player was signed from Banik Ostrava for £300,000 and later returned to the club as a goalkeeper coach. Fans have continued to sing his name during matches for many years.
West Ham players held a moment of silence before training on Monday and again before the match against Fulham. A further tribute is planned for next month's Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers, where Miklosko spent the final three years of his playing career.
Miklosko earned 42 international caps and represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and announced three years later his decision to cease further treatment.
His son Martin shared a statement expressing the family's heartbreak. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my Dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer," he said. "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."
He added, "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."
Martin concluded, "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."