{
  "id": 7365050,
  "title": "Former West Ham goalkeeper Miklosko dies aged 64",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/former-west-ham-goalkeeper-miklosko-dies-aged-64-7365050",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T17:10:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1532930/former-west-ham-goalkeeper-miklosko-dies-aged-64"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko passed away at the age of 64, having battled cancer for five years since his diagnosis. The English Championship club confirmed his death on Monday. Miklosko, who joined West Ham from Banik Ostrava in 1990, made nearly 400 appearances for the club and helped them secure promotions to the top flight in 1991 and 1993. Fans regularly sang his name in his honor long after he left the club. After retiring as a player, Miklosko returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach. In December 2024, he chose to discontinue further cancer treatment to live a normal life. West Ham expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a beloved, inspirational figure and a gentle giant. Banik Ostrava also praised Miklosko as an outstanding goalkeeper and a great personality. The club plans to honor him with a period of appreciation during their upcoming League Cup match. Miklosko's son, Martin, shared his family's heartbreak at his loss but found comfort in the immense support they received from fans. Petr Cech, a former goalkeeper with Chelsea and Arsenal, hailed Miklosko for opening doors for other Czech goalkeepers in the English top flight. Cech hoped that Miklosko's memory would remain in the hearts of football fans forever.",
  "summary": "PRAGUE: Former West Ham and Czech international goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64, five years after he was diagnosed with cancer, the English Championship club announced on Monday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Former West Ham goalkeeper Miklosko dies aged 64",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/former-west-ham-goalkeeper-miklosko-dies-aged-64",
        "published": "2026-09-14T14:46:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}