Kinsky honours West Ham legend Miklosko before England‑Czechia game

On a crisp September evening at Tottenham’s training ground, 23‑year‑old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky stood before his teammates, his voice steady as he paid tribute to the late Ludek Miklosko ahead of England’s upcoming clash with Czechia. The tribute came just hours before the national sides met at Wembley.

Kinsky described Miklosko as ‘one of those people I really respected and admired, both for what he achieved in football and in life’. He called the former West Ham star an honest, kind and respectful person.

Miklosko, a West Ham hero, died this month at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed as Spurs prepared for a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.

‘Probably from the age of 10‑18, then he left the agency to become sporting director at Banik Ostrava and I left as well,’ Kinsky recalled. The 23‑year‑old explained that the move marked the start of their professional bond.

Miklosko’s mentorship and legacy

Kinsky said Miklosko was ‘someone I trusted, apart from my family, with the big, important decisions in my football career, especially when I was young, aged 14‑15 and had offers from big European clubs’. The mentor’s guidance shaped his early choices.

He also organised summer goalkeeper camps in the Czech Republic, bringing Premier League coaches to work with aspiring keepers. Kinsky praised the camps as a vital chance for young Czech players to glimpse elite training.

Kinsky’s father, also called Antonin, was a former keeper who played in the Czech and Russian leagues and earned international caps, his career overlapping with Miklosko’s. The senior’s experience further linked the family to the late legend.

Czech keepers linked to England ahead of the match

Three Czech goalkeepers are in the England squad for Tuesday’s game against Czechia. Lukas Hornicek guards Newcastle’s net, while Matej Hovar of PSV Eindhoven spent five years at Manchester United from the age of 18, including loans at Swindon and Burton Albion.

Kinsky added that Czech greats Pavel Srnicek and Petr Cech have long inspired him, noting ‘All those are great keepers, it’s why they were able to get to the Premier League and make an impact’. He said Cech gave him huge motivation.

The heartfelt tribute underscores how Miklosko’s mentorship bridged English and Czech football, leaving a legacy that endures as England and Czechia prepare to meet on the pitch.