Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle goalkeeper in critical condition following heart attack

Srnicek is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest while out jogging near his home in the Czech Republic

(Getty Images)

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in a Czech Republic hospital after suffering a heart attack while out jogging, his agent has confirmed.

47-year-old Srnicek, who played for Newcastle between 1991 and 1998 before returning for a short spell in the 2006/07 season, is said to be fighting for his life after suffering a cardiac arrest while running in Ostrava on Sunday.

His agent, Steve Wraith, told the BBC: "I spoke to his sister-in-law in the Czech Republic who said his heart had stopped.

"He is in a critical condition in hospital and remains unconscious."

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has suffered a heart attack (Getty Images)

Srnicek was signed in 1991 by former manager Jim Smith, and he remained at St James’ Park long enough to play under Ossie Ardiles, Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish as he quickly grew into a firm fan favourite.

He was part of the side that gained promotion to the Premier League in 1992/93 under Keegan’s reign, and featured heavily in the 1995/96 side that pushed Manchester United all the way before narrowly losing out in the race for the title.

After leaving the Magpies in 1998 to return to Banik Ostrava, the club where he started his career, Srnicek went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, along with Brescia, Cosenza and Beira-Mar. Most recently, he returned to Newcastle in 2006 as injury cover for Shay Given, and made two further Premier League appearances in December of that season before leaving in June 2007.

He was back in Newcastle as recently as this month in order to host a book signing session for his new autobiography.

Former Newcastle winger Keith Gillespie was one of many to take to Twitter to wish his former team-mate well. Gillespie said: “Just heard about my old teammate Pavel Srnicek. Hope you pull through mate. #prayforpav.”