Antonín Kinský says Ludek Miklosko was part of the biggest decisions in his career, including the teenage offers that came when he was 14 or 15. The former West Ham goalkeeper died at 64, and Kinsky's tribute is really about trust, guidance and a long relationship that went well beyond football. He says Miklosko stayed close as his path eventually led him to Tottenham.

Kinsky's account of the relationship

"He had huge experience and was someone I trusted. He was someone apart from my family who I discussed all the big, important decisions in my football career, especially when I was young, aged 14-15 and I had some offers to join big European clubs," Kinsky said.

That line matters because it puts Miklosko inside the career choices, not just around them. Kinsky said, "Eventually I didn’t because I believed I had a bigger chance to get to the highest level if I get to professional football firstly in the Czech Republic and after I become the best here to go abroad."

He added that Miklosko was there for other major calls too. "It was a big decision, and he was part of it, and he was there for more things like this," Kinsky said, speaking to the Daily Mail.

Miklosko's wider influence in Czech football

Kinsky also pointed to the work Miklosko did with younger goalkeepers. "He also organised a lot of summer goalkeeper camps in the Czech Republic with goalkeeper coaches from Premier League teams and other clubs," he said. "This was a great thing for us young kids who were dreaming about getting to European football, to see what the training there look like. He did so much for everyone."

There is a broader Czech goalkeeping line running through the tribute as well. Kinsky said: "All those are great keepers." He also added, "It's why they were able to get to Premier league and make an impact. Petr Cech also gave me huge motivation and inspiration."

Miklosko left Baník Ostrava for West Ham in 1990 and later spent three years at Queens Park Rangers, which makes Kinsky's tribute feel rooted in a career that reached well beyond one club. The immediate fact is simple, Miklosko is gone at 64, and Kinsky says the advice he gave as a teenager helped shape the route that ended up at Tottenham.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →