Dean Ashton may never play again...

[Darrkespur]

BBC are reporting that Dean Ashton may announce his retirement due to injury in the next month...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/8351195.stm

To be honest I'd be really gutted if this happens. When he was called up for England he really did look like a class striker that could be a new Shearer type forward, which England have sorely lacked. However, that day he broke his ankle and it has never recovered properly. Apparently within a few weeks he may announce he won't play again.

A real shame to see a promising England forward not able to continue with the game, I wish him well.

 

[kcmei]

ye when ever he plays he seem to score. If not for the injury he would probably have signed for us by now

 

[Mullers]

That's really sad to hear, I hope he can carve out a different career in football for himself.

 

[donny1013]

West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton has announced his retirement from professional football.

Ashton has succumbed to a long-term ankle problem which he initially sustained when training with England in August 2006.

The 26-year-old underwent several operations in a bid to overcome the problem but concerns for his mobility later in life prompted today's decision.

 

[Kendall]

Gutted for him.

 

[Banny]

shame. could have played at a much higher level than wham! would have been a great signing for us had he got himself fit.

 

[Phantom]

Real shame that at such a young age he is calling it a day.

 

[Rocksuperstar]

I feel sorry for the guy too, one accident 3 years ago and now it's come to this, must be heart breaking.

Still, at least he's taken the sensible decision at an age where he's still got potential to go on and build a new career in whatever he chooses. He's only 26 and, whilst a tough call to make, he's made the right one.

Good luck in whatever he does :up:

 

[kcmei]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/8407584.stm

confirmed. sad news

 

[P-Dogg]

A player I was very keen to see in our colours.

A sad day for the lad and I wish him all the best in the future.

 

[Leo]

I found this comment on the sun's website.

"Terrible shame if it is the case. Gutted for Ashton as he is a really good player who has always promised so much. Gutted for the Hammers as we really could use him. And personally gutted as I named my son after him and he proudly walks around in his number 9 Ashton West Ham shirt but has only seen youtube efforts of his namesake to date and it looks like that could be all he ever sees. If true, I wish Dean all the best and hope he has a long and fruitful career ahead of him in some other aspect of the game."

i lol'd

​

 

[sharky127]

Such a shame. He's a player that could have been the missing link for England at the World Cup...a player that can hold the ball up and score goals as well.

Best of luck for the future Dean.

 

[Shanks]

Yeah, shame for any player, especially so young.

I think his injuries must have blinded how good he was, because whenever I saw him play he always seemed really slow, like slower than Teddy after his prime - but guessing that was down to the injuries.

Shame, 26 is young! (same as Utd keeper foster!)

 

[jimbo]

Poor decision, playing on might have affected his mobility later in life but by then who cares? The chance to play football professionally doesn't come to many.

 

[markiespurs]

Yeah, shame for any player, especially so young.

I think his injuries must have blinded how good he was, because whenever I saw him play he always seemed really slow, like slower than Teddy after his prime - but guessing that was down to the injuries.

Shame, 26 is young! (same as Utd keeper foster!)

He might have appeared slow, but if i remember rightly, he had a good goal scoring record.

It's a shame that he's had to retire at only 26.

 

[Supersonic]

Poor decision, playing on might have affected his mobility later in life but by then who cares? The chance to play football professionally doesn't come to many.

ooooh controversial