With the heartbreaking news that Ludek Miklosko has passed away at just 64, West Ham fans everywhere will be pausing today, remembering not just a great goalkeeper, but a man who genuinely loved the club and its people.
When writing for Over Land & Sea and some student magazines in my younger years, I was lucky enough to meet him several times. For me, he was always my number one in my Hammers XI when I spoke to Russ Budden on YouTube in 2020, edging out Phil Parkes simply because I watched every minute of his West Ham career as a season-ticket holder.
Luděk Mikloško
A Colossus Between The Sticks
Ludo’s debut came away at Swindon Town in 1990, a 2–2 draw under Lou Macari. His goal kicks were absurd, launched from one side of the pitch straight into the opposition box. A strange technique, but devastating. He was athletic, powerful, and an absolute colossus between the sticks.
The game that will forever live in my mind is the famous 1–1 draw with Manchester United, the day we denied them the title and handed it to Blackburn. Ludo was man of the match and deservedly so. United threw everything at him, and he stopped everything.
Across eight years, he made 373 appearances, later returning as a goalkeeping coach. A proper servant. A proper Hammer. And one of the most genuinely likeable players ever to wear the shirt.
A Moment That Summed Up Ludo
One moment sums him up. On one of my visits to the old training ground at Chadwell Heath, an unemployed fan asked if he could have Ludo’s gloves. Not only did Ludo hand them over, he signed them. Then the fan asked if he could take a penalty. Ludo agreed, invited me to join in, and of course saved my spot-kick.
It says everything about his legacy that fans still sing his name, even those too young to have seen him play.
“My name is Ludo Miklosko, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham.”
In retirement, he’d introduce himself with a smile:
“Hi, I’m Ludo and I don’t come from Moscow!”
A legend. A gentleman. A Hammer forever.
RIP Ludo, gone far too soon, but never forgotten. X
Terribly sad news and right up there with Parkes as our greatest keeper ever.
So sad, what a hero he was to me.
Thanks for everything Ludo. RIP
I was there for his debut at Swindon. Sat by the sideline, i could hear him in his booming eastern european accent, the only word of English “KEEPER” whenever he came to claim the ball. Great keeper, lovely fella. RIP Ludo.
A great player but importantly he was a great man, RIP
Sad news. Great goalkeeper. RIP Ludo ⚒️
Ludo one of the real West Ham Legends and gentleman.
One of my top favourite players, So sad.
Hope he gets a big non stop chants on Tuesday night.
Great goalkeeper and lovely genuine person , 64 no age at all, im sitting here aged 73 thinking how lucky i am.
RIP Ludo
An absolute legend RIP Ludo ⚒️⚒️⚒️
Sad day. 🥲
RIP to a true West Ham United legend and absolute gentleman.
🪦💐⚒️🧤
Nice tribute to a lovely man. RIP Ludo