West Ham United paid tribute to club legend Ludek Miklosko before their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Fulham on Tuesday night, days after the former goalkeeper died at the age of 64 following a long battle with cancer.
Miklosko's death was announced on Monday morning. In an emotional atmosphere at the London Stadium, West Ham's players and Fulham's starting eleven stood together in the centre circle for a minute's applause, while a photograph of the former Czechia international was shown on the big screens around the ground.
Injured midfielder Tomas Soucek, who like Miklosko is from Czechia, held a West Ham goalkeeper shirt bearing Miklosko's name and the number one before laying it down in one of the goals in front of the home supporters.
Sir Trevor Brooking among those paying respects
West Ham icon Sir Trevor Brooking was seen clapping in the stands ahead of the London derby.
Miklosko kept 126 clean sheets in eight years with the Hammers and is perhaps best remembered for an inspirational series of saves that denied Manchester United the title in 1995. The popular Czech was signed from Banik Ostrava for £300,000 and later returned to the club as goalkeeper coach. Fans have continued to sing his name for many years.
West Ham's players held a moment of silence before training on Monday, then repeated the gesture ahead of facing Fulham at the London Stadium. 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.
International career and illness
Miklosko won 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 withdraw from further treatment.
Family statement
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," he 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. 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."
