Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham striker Dean Ashton retires aged 26 and weighs up Chelsea and FA injury compensation claims
Insured: Dean Ashton (right) in action for EnglandWest Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been forced to retire today after failing to recover from the ankle injury sustained while on England duty in August 2006. The 26-year-old forward is understood to have been told by two world-renowned ankle specialists his chances of making a full recovery were not good. A statement issued on West Ham's official website announced this morning that the ex-Norwich man had been forced to quit the game. It read: 'West Ham United regret to announce that Dean Ashton has been forced to retire from professional football through injury.'Following independent medical advice, the 26-year-old Englandstriker has reluctantly brought an end to his career due to a long-termankle problem initially suffered in training with the national team inAugust 2006. 'Despite undergoing surgical procedures and intensive rehabilitation,Ashton has been left frustrated in his considerable and sustainedefforts to return to full fitness. With warnings about his long-termmobility, he has been left with no option but to retire.'Ashton legal action against Wright-Phillips unnecessary, hopes PFA chief Taylor Never the same: Ashton holds off Wes Brown's challenge during the England training session on August 14, 2006, shortly before suffering his fateful injury West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury added: 'This is a sad day and ourthoughts are with Dean. I would like to place on record our thanks tohim for all his efforts and wish him the very best.'I would also liketo thank the fans for their patience and understanding during what hasbeen a difficult time.'Ashton and West Ham are now looking at compensations options. Bad news: Medical specialists informed Ashton his chances of long-term recovery were 'not good' The striker is believed to be investigating whether both Shaun Wright-Phillips - whose tackle was responsible for injuring Ashton in that fateful England training session - and his employers at the time, Chelsea, can be the subject of legal action. The player is thought to be insured for £7million by West Ham. But the insurance claim against the FA will be a complex one, given that Ashton recovered from the injury - which caused him to miss a whole season - well enough to make 35 appearances and score 10 goals in 2007-08 and play for England against Trinidad at the end of that season. He broke down again after four games at the start of last season and has not played since. England's insurance policy, which would have already paid Ashton's wages throughout the 2006-07 season, has been beefed up since the dispute with Newcastle following Michael Owen's 2006 World Cup injury. Ashton made his name at Crewe before joining Norwich in January 2005. He netted 18 goals in 46 appearances for the Canaries, earning him a then club-record £7.25m move to West Ham. Dean Ashton legal action against Shaun Wright-Phillips unnecessary, hopes PFA chief Gordon TaylorWhat the back pages say: Jurgen Klinsmann blasts Rafa Benitez, Dean Ashton to sue Chelsea and Wright-Phillips over career-ending tackleCHARLES SALE: Crocked Dean Ashton to seek FA's millionsBrazil striker Adriano must now decide between West Ham, Milan and RomaHammer time! Gold and Sullivan make £42m West Ham takeover bidWEST HAM UNITED FC