West Ham United held a moment of remembrance for club legend Ludek Miklosko on Tuesday night ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Fulham. Miklosko passed away on Monday at the age of 64 following a prolonged fight with cancer.
At an emotional London Stadium, both West Ham and Fulham players observed a minute's applause in the centre circle. A photograph of the esteemed former Czechia international was displayed on the stadium's screens.
Midfielder Tomas Soucek, also from Czechia, held a West Ham goalkeeper shirt bearing Miklosko's name and No 1 before placing it behind one of the goals in front of the home supporters. Miklosko, who represented the Hammers for eight years, recorded 126 clean sheets. He is particularly remembered for his crucial saves against Manchester United in 1995, which were instrumental in West Ham's successful campaign that season.
The popular Czech player, acquired from Banik Ostrava for £300,000, later served the club as a goalkeeper coach. His name has been frequently sung by fans for many years.
West Ham players had previously held a moment of silence before training on Monday. A further tribute is planned for an upcoming Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers, where Miklosko concluded his playing career.
Miklosko earned 42 international caps and played for Czechoslovakia in the 1990 World Cup. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and later opted to cease treatment.
His son, Martin, shared his family's grief, stating, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my Dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer." He expressed gratitude to the fans and West Ham United for their support during his father's illness, noting that the messages from teammates and fans provided significant comfort and strength.
"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," Martin Miklosko added. "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."
He concluded by emphasizing his father's deep affection for the club: "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."