West Ham striker Dean Ashton Retires Because of Injury

[Mike]

West Ham's former England striker Dean Ashton has announced his retirement at the age of 26 after failing to recover from a long-term ankle injury.

Ashton broke his left ankle while training with England in August 2006, ahead of a friendly with Greece.

He underwent several operations but was unable to return to full fitness and has followed medical advice to retire.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's website: "This is a sad day and our thoughts are with Dean."

Ashton scored 19 goals in 56 appearances for the Hammers after joining them from Norwich in a £7.25m move in January 2006.

The former Crewe striker earned him an England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006, but he broke his ankle in training for that game and missed the whole of the 2006-07 season.

He returned to play 35 games in 2007-08 and signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park that summer, but sprained his ankle in September 2008 and did not play again.

Duxbury added: "I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all his efforts and wish him the very best. I would also like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding during what has been a difficult time."

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Sad this, was a very good player. Shame the injury has held him back, had great potential.

[BFG]

According to the Guardian he's considering sueing Wright Phillips and Chelsea, as the original injury was picked up after a challenge by WP during training with the England squad. I know he was a Chelsea player at the time but I can't see what it's got to do with them if it was on England duty.

[JohnDoe]

When he was with Norwich, I wanted us to sign him. Think he would have been a very useful player for us. Sad news.

[Reece]

Sad, but I can't believe you'd sue a fellow professional unless it was a malicious tackle, something I can't really imagine Wright-Phillips doing.

[Darkon]

Very sad indeed, but not the end of the world for him. Still a young lad can get a good education with his money and start something else!

Why is it England is not made to pay? I would think West Ham could get something in compensation?

[Guest]

Wished Alfe Ingie Haaland sued Roy Keane.

[BFG]

Very sad indeed, but not the end of the world for him. Still a young lad can get a good education with his money and start something else!

Why is it England is not made to pay? I would think West Ham could get something in compensation?

The Guardian says West Ham are considering approaching the FA for £6mil compensation.

[EwarWoo]

Damn shame. So much potential lost.

Hard to feel too sorry for him, he's already earned more wedge and lived more of his dream than most of us will in several life times, but still a shame.

[Kenneth]

I bet he gets a better payoff having been injured on England duty. Feel for the guy, but millions in the bank at 26 with a clean slate would be amazing.

[-V-]

He's been injured a long time. Do you think he's been getting full pay during that whole time?

[Tee]

Such a shame, gutted that he has to end his career just as he enters his peak years.

[Kenneth]

He's been injured a long time. Do you think he's been getting full pay during that whole time?

Would think so, yes.

[Gaz]

There's nothing stopping him having a career in football, unfortunately now it just won't be as a player. He'll probably get his coaching badges and move into management

[lickedlollipop]

****.. sad news... hope the lad will move on....

[Imy]

Sad news. I too wanted us to sign him, for a while he looked a realy quality player, If i remember correctly he was very good (like Benayoun) in the 2006 FA Cup Final.