West Ham broke the World Record Transfer fee for a Goalkeeper to bring Phil Parkes to Upton Park but, it wasn’t without
risk as he was known to have serious knee problems. John Lyall was not deterred and Parkes went on to serve
the club with distinction for the next 11 years.
A key member of the 1980 Cup winning side and the famous boys of ’86 team which pushed the great Liverpool side
close for the title in the 1985-86 season. Parkes was also part of the side that were beaten finalists in the
League Cup in 1981 and the semi-finals in 1989, he was also part of the side that won the second division
Championship in 1980-81 which many observers believe to have been one of the best sides ever produced by the club.
Sadly, Parkes last game for the club was a 6-0 demolition in the semi-final of the League against Oldham in 1990 and he
moved to Ipswich soon after before moving into coaching after only three games for the Suffolk based club.
Ludek Miklosko 1990-1998 373 Apps (All Comps)
Signed from Czech side Banik Ostrava for £300,000, the big shot stopper was Lou Macari’s last signing as West Ham
manager in February 1990. The Czechoslovakian International quickly established himself as a fan favourite, with
his trade mark bravery and agility, as well as his excellent distribution.
Ludo played a pivotal role in the clubs run to the 1991 FA Cup Semi-Finals and the clubs promotion to the 1st
Division Ludo was named Hammer of the year for his performances in that season.
Sadly West Ham were relegated from the 1st Division and as such missed out on the inaugural Premier League season
but Ludo again was outstanding as the club bounced back conceding only 16 away goals that season.
Miklosko then helped the club establish itself in the Premier League and was outstanding in one of the most famous
matches at Upton Park when the Hammers denied Manchester United the win that would have clinched the 1995 Premier
League title for the Red Devils. Miklosko made several fantastic saves which ensured West Ham held on for the draw
that meant the title went to Blackburn Rovers for the first time in 80 years.
Miklosko played two more seasons before losing his place to Craig Forrest at the start of the 1997 season and was
eventually transferred to QPR in early 1998.
Ludo returned to the club as Goalkeeper coach following his retirement and is firmly established as a club cult
hero.