by Staff Writer
Saturday, 21st February 2026
Ludo Miklosko has sent a touching message to the fans ahead of this afternoon's Premier League meeting with AFC Bournemouth.
The former Czech international, who is living with terminal cancer is to be honoured by supporters ahead of this evening's live televised fixture.
And Ludo, 64, sent a message thanking the organisers of today's Tifo - the Ironworks Alliance - for their efforts.
"Dear West Ham United fans, members of the Ironworks Alliance - my West Ham family," he began. "Thank you so much for this amazing and touching tribute ahead of today's game.
"I am very grateful to Ironworks Alliance for their hard work and effort in my honour, along with everyone else who has played a part in making it happen. Words can not express how much it means to me.
"I still watch as many of our matches as I can from here in the Czech Republic and it is such a proud, emotional moment for me to hear that you still sing my name, many years since I stopped wearing claret and blue.
"It is difficult to believe that, this week, 36 years have passed since my debut for the club. It remains one of the best days of my life, because it was the day that I became a Hammer, the day that I found a second family - a family that has been there for me every step of the way ever since.
"You have always shown me such fantastic love, warmth and affection, and I can never thank you enough for that. It means so, so much to me and my family. I am sorry that I can't be there in person this evening to share the moment with you and to cheer the boys on, but I will be watching every minute - with appreciation, love and pride.
"Once a Hammer, always a Hammer - Come On You Irons! Love Ludo x"
Fans attending this evening's vital match against the Cherries are advised to arrive a few minutes earlier in order to play their part in the tribute to Ludo.
Miklosko was informed that his cancer - which began on his hip and developed into a stomach tumour - was terminal in late 2024. Following the diagnosis, he opted to refuse any further treatment after being told it would be impossible to remove the tumour as he was unlikely to survive surgery.
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