Ashton forced to retire

West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been forced to retire from football due to injury.

The 26-year-old has failed to recover from the ankle injury he sustained while training with the England squad in 2006.

Ashton, who was a target of Stoke City in the summer, has undergone a variety of rehabilitation procedures but none proved successful.

West Ham have now confirmed that the former Crewe and Norwich man has quit after receiving warnings regarding his full fitness and long-term mobility.

Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "This is a sad day and our thoughts are with Dean.

"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."

Is this really true tho?

They said this last yr and it would be a shame if he has. Quality player

This article was taken of sky sports news though i aint heard much since.

I always thought he was a quality player, esp in the air.

Would be a sad loss if he does retire.

sad news

he scored a belter at old trafford a couple of seasons back