Marek Stech is regarded as one of Europe's most promising young goalkeepers and it was no surprise when the club offered him a new five-year contract in July 2008 that will take him up to summer 2013. 

The Czech Republic youth international has been at the Boleyn Ground since July 2006 and is tipped to be one of the next talented players to rise from the Academy ranks to the first-team squad. Stech came to prominence in the 2006 European Under-17 Championship when he helped his country to the final of the prestigious UEFA tournament. He underlined his potential last season with some strong displays for the reserves.

Stech, who at 6'4 is still growing, has had particular praise for Academy director Tony Carr and goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko, with the latter setting the clear example to follow as a former West Ham United favourite from the Czech Republic. In August 2008, he made his first real step-up to first-team contention when he got a substitute's appearance in a 2-0 friendly win at Peterborough United before playing the full 90 minutes of the next pre-season fixture at Southampton, a 2-2 draw.

Although living away from his family, Stech has fully settled at the club. "I feel like I am at home. Everyone at the club is good to me and I love it here. The boys are great so I just love it. I never have any problems. It is great." He added that one thing spurring him on is the chance to play in front of a packed Boleyn Ground. "The fans mean so much for me. Every game I get goosebumps hearing them. They are unbelievable. I just want to play here for them and show what I can do."