Luděk Mikloško, West Ham and QPR Legend, Dies Aged 64

Football is mourning the loss of Luděk Mikloško, the beloved former West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, who has died at the age of 64 following a long battle with cancer.

Mikloško arrived at West Ham from Baník Ostrava in 1990 and quickly became a hugely important figure at the club. In his first season, he helped the Hammers secure promotion to the top flight and was named the club's Player of the Year.

The Czech goalkeeper spent eight years at Upton Park, making 373 appearances for West Ham. His performances, character and connection with the supporters turned him into a cult hero, with his name regularly ringing around the stadium.

One of the defining moments of his career came on the final day of the 1994/95 season, when Mikloško produced a memorable display against Manchester United. West Ham's 1-1 draw helped prevent United from winning the title, allowing Blackburn Rovers to be crowned champions.

After leaving West Ham in 1998, Mikloško joined QPR and remained there until retiring from professional football in 2001. He later returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach, a role he held until 2010.

He also represented Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic 42 times and remained involved with Baník Ostrava after returning home.

West Ham described him as a “beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”

A giant of the Hammers' history has left us.