West Ham’s former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition after collapsing while out jogging on Sunday night. The 47-year-old had a cardiac arrest and is now a medically-induced coma in the Czech Republic. It is believed Srnicek stopped breathing for 20 minutes before he was revived, said his agent Steve Wraith.
He told Sky Sports News: “Unfortunately the news we’ve been given by both his close family – his brother – and a good friend is that apparently he was not breathing for 20 minutes before they managed to resuscitate him. It was critical last night. Today, again, it’s not looking great. He is stable but still critical and we’re all hoping things will improve but it’s early days at the moment.”
Srníček joined West Ham on a one-month loan deal from parent club Portsmouth on 19th February 2004. He made his debut against rivals Millwall as a substitute, following the sending off of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater, Srníček moved to West Ham on a free permanent transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2004 season. He started two matches in Bywater’s absence, against Derby and Palace. He played no further games for West Ham and left the club at the end of the season at which point he was released later rejoining Newcastle for a second spell at the club.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.