Pavel Srnicek, Former Newcastle Goalkeeper, Suffers Cardiac Arrest

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.

According to BBC Sport, the 47-year-old’s agent, Steve Wraith, revealed he collapsed on Sunday while out running in Ostrava, Czech Republic. “I spoke to his sister-in-law in the Czech Republic who said his heart had stopped," Wraith said. ”He is in a critical condition in hospital and remains unconscious.”

Srnicek had two spells with the Magpies, the first spanning seven years between 1991 and 1998. He is currently a goalkeeping coach for Sparta Prague.

As reported by Mark Douglas of the Chronicle, the former goalkeeper was in Newcastle recently to promote his autobiography. It’s written the news comes as a “major shock” as Srnicek was in “terrific spirits and seemed in excellent health.”

His former club were quick to wish their ex-player a speedy recovery:

Former team-mate Keith Gillespie also sent along his best wishes:

Aside from his time at Newcastle, Srnicek also played for Sheffield Wednesday for two years, as well as brief spells with Portsmouth and West Ham United. The goalkeeper was also a regular on the international stage, representing his country an impressive 49 times.

Although his career spanned many clubs in several different countries, Srnicek is most fondly remembered on Tyneside. Indeed, his finest moments came between the sticks at St. James’ Park, pulling off wonderful saves in a plethora of effervescent goalkeeper jerseys.

Srnicek was central to the Magpies side that achieved promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 1992-93 season. He remained an often unshakeable influence at the back in what was a cavalier Newcastle team, nearly helping the St. James’ Park outfit to the league title in 1995-96—ultimately coming up just short in a thrilling title race with Manchester United.