'Big Ludo' - trailblazing keeper who became West Ham cult figure

What the report says

Former West Ham United goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64, BBC Sport Football reported. Miklosko, known affectionately as “Big Ludo,” became a cult figure at the club after joining from Banik Ostrava in 1990, when he became the first professional player from Czechoslovakia to move to an English club. He went on to make 374 appearances for West Ham over eight years, later spending time at Queens Park Rangers and returning to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach.

The BBC said Miklosko’s arrival came shortly after the political changes that opened the door for players from eastern Europe to move west. He had to wait for a work permit and initially trained alone before establishing himself in England. Among his notable achievements, he was named West Ham’s Hammer of the Year in 1991 after helping the club win promotion back to the top flight, and he also played in FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals.

He is especially remembered by supporters for his display against Manchester United on the final day of the 1994-95 Premier League season, when West Ham held the visitors to a draw and denied them the title. The BBC also noted his long-standing connection with fans in both London and his hometown club Banik Ostrava.

Miklosko had spoken publicly about cancer treatment in recent years, including withdrawing from further treatment in late 2024. The BBC report says supporters in Ostrava had shown their backing earlier in 2025, underscoring the respect he earned across two clubs and two countries.