West Ham United Squad

Dean Ashton

 

Date of Birth : 24th November, 1983

Place of Birth : Swindon

Signed : January 2006 (Norwich City)

Position : Centre Forward

Height : 6.2

Weight : 12.08

Appearances : 39

Goals : 13

International Appearances : 0

 

Team KB HM ST SE SM OB DM GU TM HD SK DE AVE
                           
Man City (11/8)
5
6
6
5
 7 5 5
-
5
5
6
 4
5.9
Wigan (25/8)
8
6
6
6
7
7
8
-
7
8
7
7
7.0
Reading (01/9)
6
6
7
7
6
8
6
6
4
-
7
6
6.3
7
7
7
7
 7 8 7
8
7
-
8
 7
7.3
-
8
-
-
-
-
6
8
8
7
8
8
7.4
Arsenal (30/9)
-
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
-
8
7
6.7
Aston Villa (6/10)
6
5
7
5
6
6
5
6
6
-
6
5
5.8
Spurs (25/11)
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
6
6
6.0
Blackburn (9/12)
-
7
-
-
-
-
8
8
8
9
8
7
7.7
Everton (15/12)
5
6
5
5
6
5
6
5
5
-
6
7
5.6
-
7
7
7
8
8
7
6
6
-
7
7
7.0
Reading (26/12)
-
5
-
-
-
-
6
4
-
5
5
-
5.0
6
7
-
-
-
4
6
-
5
8
6
7
6.1
Arsenal (1/1)
5
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
6
-
5.1
Fulham (12/1)
7
7
6
7
8
7
8
8
6
7
8
7
7.2
Liverpool (30/1)
6
5
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
6
5
5.6
Wigan (2/2)
4
6
5
6
5
1
5
5
5
-
5
5
4.8
5
5
6
5
5
3
6
5
5
-
6
5
5.0
Chelsea (1/3)
4
5
6
5
5
6
5
-
5
-
6
5
5.2
Liverpool (5/3)
6
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
5
-
5.0
Spurs (9/3)
6
6
-
-
-
-
7
6
5
-
6
5
5.8
Blackburn (15/3)
8
7
8
7
8
8
7
8
8
-
8
7
7.6
Everton (22/3)
8
7
7
8
7
8
7
8
8
8
8
8
7.5
Sunderland (29/3)
7
6
7
6
7
6
5
7
6
-
7
7
6.4
Portsmouth (8/4)
5
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
5
-
6.0
Bolton (12/4)
-
6
7
6
6
5
6
7
4
-
7
4
5.8
7
7
7
8
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
7
7.1
                 
Average Rating
6.2

KB: KUMB; HM Hammers Mad; ST Sunday Times; SE Sunday Express; SM Sunday Mirror; OB Observer;
DM Daily Mirror; GU Guardian; TM Times; HD Hammers Diary; SK Sky; DE Daily Express

 

Sky Sports: With full-back McCartney marauding down the left, West Ham attacked relentlessly from the off and an inexperienced Newcastle back line that featured Steven Taylor and David Edgar was nowhere in the 10th minute when midfielder Noble arrived to send a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Steve Harper from McCartney's cross. There was a setback for the Hammers when Freddie Ljungberg was hurt in the Newcastle box and had to be carried off on a stretcher but the loss of the Sweden international in the 22nd-minute did not diminish his side's momentum as Ashton made it 2-0 less than a minute later with a shot on the turn after Bobby Zamora had headed on a long ball. Newcastle had offered zero in return with their three-man strike force of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Martins failing to make any headway against a home defence that also included a rookie in the shape of James Tomkins.

The Times: West Ham picked Newcastle apart in the opening 25 minutes. Mark Noble swept in George McCartney’s cross for the first goal and Dean Ashton used his strength and balance for the second. Keegan was so concerned by the attacks down Newcastle’s right flank that he moved Michael Owen to midfield. “He’d do anything for the team,” Keegan said. “And he did it; they lost some of their momentum.” Newcastle’s reward was two goals, with Obafemi Martins taking advantage of a defensive lapse for the first, before his effort pinged in off Gérémi’s head for the equaliser. West Ham United are in mid-table and Ferguson’s team face them at Old Trafford on Saturday. Robert Green, the West Ham goalkeeper, has promised to give the reigning champions a good game. “I have no preference as to who wins the league,” Green said. “But the last thing you want to do is turn up and be accused of rolling over. It will be a hell of an atmosphere.” (Alyson Rudd, 28th April 2008)

The Guardian: Here both teams proved they have the attacking potential to land decisive blows in the title fight but also that their defences constitute jaws of the thinnest glass. West Ham put their better foot forward first, dominating the opening period. Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg hurtled down the wings at will and the drive and nimbleness of Scott Parker and Mark Noble provided a perfect contrast with Newcastle's static midfield... When Noble swept a George McCartney cross into the net from 15 yards in the 10th minute, he was unhindered by any visiting defenders. With Dean Ashton darting all across the frontline and Bobby Zamora achieving aerial supremacy, it was not until the 19th minute that a Newcastle defender managed to get close to an attacker, Steven Taylor accidentally treading on Ljungberg and inflicting a broken rib injury that jeopardises the Swede's participation in Euro 2008. The pattern of the game did not change, however, and two minutes later Ashton gave the home side a deserved second, controlling Zamora's flick-on before fending off David Edgar too easily and swivelling to fire the ball into the net. West Ham exuded confidence and the crispness of their interplay would have given Manchester United fans real cause to fear an upset at Old Trafford on Saturday. (Paul Doyle, 28th April 2008)

Hammers Mad: Against the run of play, West Ham should have equalised just after the half-hour mark through Dean Ashton. An uncharacteristic mix-up between Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka led to the big striker having a clear shot at goal but the former Crewe and Norwich hit-man could only drag his effort wide... Having not been tested for nearly the whole of the first half, Howard make a smart save with his foot to deny Ashton just before the interval. The stocky centre-forward rifled in a 25-yard shot and a deflection off Joleon Lescott's knee sent the ball away from a diving Howard but the Blues' shot-stopper reacted well to save the ball on the line with his trailing foot. It took just over an hour for West Ham to start carving out chances of their own as the visitors started to pile on the pressure and an equaliser looked only a matter of time. Mark Noble's free-kick sailed just over the bar and Freddie Ljungberg's effort was saved by Howard. However, the chances kept coming and finally Curbishley's men found the back of the net when a deep cross by captain Neill found Ashton who powered a 68th-minute header home.

Sunday Times: Freddie Sears almost made himself a West Ham hero for the second time in a week, firing a shot past Tim Howard, the Everton goalkeeper, in the closing moments only to see the ball come back off the post... Ashton, however, supplied the game’s defining moment, for it was transformed when he scored his towering equaliser. Lucas Neill was given time on the right to measure a terrific cross towards Ashton, who outjumped Phil Jagielka and directed his header to Howard’s left. The goalkeeper got a glove to the ball but only knocked it against the inside of the post and across the line. Suddenly, the visitors believed they could steal a win, especially when Rob Green proved resistant to Everton’s efforts to grab a second goal. On the break, the Hammers fought tenaciously and Howard had to race off his line to save from Sears, who scored on his debut last weekend at Upton Park, before the youngster beat the Everton keeper in the dying moments, only to hit the post. “We’re disappointed not to have won the game in the end,” said Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager. “Young James Tomkins (like Sears, a homegrown 18-year-old and an England Under19 international) went for the header when the ball came to Yakubu (for the opening goal), he missed it and that rattled him. But he got better and stronger after that and so did the team.” Ironically, Tomkins almost made a dream start on his debut. Mark Noble’s corner was delivered perfectly for him to direct a solid header, alas, against the crossbar. (Brian Doogan, 23rd March 2008)

BBC Sport: Prior to the goal, the Hammers looked the more likely to score with Ashton guilty of fluffing up his lines on a couple of occasions. His first chance came from a wicked Nolberto Solano free-kick that he failed to connect with inside the six-yard area and the second from Bobby Zamora's right-wing delivery that was headed wide from close range. However five minutes before half-time Ashton cannily flicked the ball round a static Christopher Samba, before sidefooting his shot past the American Friedel from 10 yards. Upton Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Blackburn this century - they have lost their last seven matches at the Boleyn Ground. The visitors had a great chance to end their hoodoo but Pedersen fired wildly over after finding himself free, eight yards out. He and his team were left to rue the miss when club-prodigy Sears, who had been on for about five minutes, met Ashton's square ball and fired in a shot that Friedel could only push back into the path of the grateful striker. His celebration was almost as good as the youngster crossed his arms to symbolise the Hammers' badge. (Saj Chowdhury, 15th March, 2008)

Hammers Mad: Buoyed by their equaliser, West Ham emerged for the restart in determined mood and, after Zamora had unleashed a low, angled 15-yarder across the face of goal, Friedel denied Ashton a second with a full-length save. In reply, Pedersen wastefully launched the ball high over with the goal at his mercy before Hughes introduced Matt Derbyshire in place of Dunn. But with ten minutes remaining, it was Curbishley's double introduction of Mark Noble and Sears that was destined to have the more dramatic impact. Indeed, within just five frenetic minutes of his arrival, supporting super sub Sears entered East End legend, when he raced onto Ashton's clever back-heel and unleashed a low shot that Friedel could only palm skywards. And with the Rovers keeper groping the Upton Park turf, the diving teenager hurled himself at the looping ball to give West Ham victory with a dream debut goal.

Sunday Times: Freddie Sears, an 18-year-old home-grown striker, came off the bench to record the most glorious debut for West Ham, scoring the winning goal to bring to an end a sorry sequence of heavy defeats. The England Under-19 international was cheered to the rafters at the end of a week in which he signed a new deal, but his storybook contribution might not have mattered had Dean Ashton not performed such a pivotal role. With his team reacting nervously to going behind to a Roque Santa Cruz header, his 16th goal of the season, the 24-year-old West Ham striker became the focal point of their gritty come-back. His work ethic, physical presence and well-honed technique proved inspirational as he scored an impressive equalising goal six minutes before the interval, before setting up Sears with nine minutes remaining. Ashton held off Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili and played a clever backheeled pass into the path of Sears whose youthful sense of destiny accounted for the rest. (Brian Doogan, 16th March, 2008)

Sky Sports: West Ham controlled much of the opening exchanges and it came as no surprise when they took the lead inside seven minutes. George McCartney's long throw from the left was flicked on by Carlton Cole and Freddie Ljungberg ghosted in at the back post to bundle the ball home from close range. Birmingham were level though just nine minutes later when Lucas Neill's clumsy challenge on James McFadden resulted in referee Mark Clattenburg pointing to the spot. McFadden picked himself up to confidently dispatch the penalty himself, placing his kick to perfection past the despairing dive of Hammers keeper Robert Green who had gone the right way. The second-half produced few clear cut chances for either side as the game drifted towards a draw. McFadden should have done better when allowed to shoot from the edge of the box midway through the second period, while Dean Ashton wasted a number of opportunities for the Hammers.

Daily Mirror: Dean Ashton left Upton Park in his new West Ham whistle - but probably won't be getting measured up for an England suit any time soon. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has taken a leaf out of England's hardline manager Fabio Capello's book by insisting that all of his players smarten up their act and turn up to games wearing club suits. Ashton was left upset at his omission from Capello's first squad but cannot have too many complaints after his performance in front of the watching England boss on Saturday. The Hammers striker is still struggling for form and fitness. It has even reached a point where the West Ham fans who used to idolise him are losing patience with his slow recovery and the groans are gradually turning into boos. Mind you, West Ham's fans did jeer a lot during a frustrating afternoon. They did not like Curbishley's rather negative substitutions when they were trying to chase the win and they made their feelings plain at the final whistle. Ashton is still West Ham's six goal top scorer and yet there is no escaping the fact that he still looks heavy and doesn't carry the same threat as when he first burst on to the scene. (John Cross, 11th February, 2008)

The Guardian: There were 13 England-qualified players on show and this match represented most of what is bad with the domestic game - poor technique and too much long ball - without the usual compensations of excitement and physicality. At least Birmingham have something to play for. West Ham are beckoned neither by Europe nor the Championship and it showed. They were abject. So many of their players are injury prone. Bobby Zamora, Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker are all but airbrushed from memory. Their best player on Saturday was Freddie Ljungberg, their biggest disappointment Dean Ashton, once seen as a natural successor to Alan Shearer. He might have been one of Capello's targets but did not look match fit. (Paul Weaver, 11th February, 2008).

Sky Sports: Ljungberg's pinpoint delivery picked out Ashton, who had escaped Hughes on an angled run towards the near post and the England prospect glanced his header past Niemi. The goal injected some confidence into the West Ham side and after Carlton Cole escaped the Fulham defence to earn a corner Niemi needed to be alert to hold onto Ferdinand's header. West Ham had their tails up and controlled the last 15 minutes of the first half - but found Niemi in inspirational form. The Finn produced a spectacular save from Ashton, whose left-foot volley from 15-yards seemed a certain goal until it was deflected up and onto the bar. Cole's flick then found Ashton who checked, cut back inside and curled a left-foot strike which forced Niemi into an acrobatic one-handed stop. Cole worked a golden chance for himself, holding off Hughes to find himself one-on-one with Niemi but only managed to poke his shot straight at the keeper. West Ham started the second half with verve as Ashton latched onto Ljungberg's clipped ball into the box but could only divert it wide.

BBC Sport: West Ham drew level on 28 minutes when Ljungberg raced down the right and rifled over a cross which curled away from Niemi and was met firmly by Ashton for his sixth goal of the season. Ashton almost struck again when he chested down Matthew Etherington's pass from the left before his drive was spectacularly tipped on to the crossbar by Niemi. The duel between Ashton and Niemi continued when the ex-Norwich striker cut in from the left and saw his bullet-like shot saved, before Carlton Cole's close-range shot was also well blocked by the Finnish stopper.

The Observer: Sadly for Hodgson, Fulham still have a predilection to lose leads and it was no surprise when in the 28th minute Dean Ashton brilliantly glanced in Freddie Ljungberg's cross past Antti Niemi. And, but for the Finn, Ashton could have had a hat-trick and Carlton Cole two. (Philip Dorward, 13th December, 2008)

KUMB: A clever header from Cole saw Ashton bring Etherington into play. Matty’s first low cross was low and blocked. His second effort found Ashton who had the time and space to chest the ball down and volley goalwards only for him to find Niemi in fine form, the ‘keeper’s tip onto the bar being well worth the generous applause it got from all four sides of the ground. Damn him! We started to play fairly well and, for once, we were actually looking to use the flanks and both Etheringon and Ljungberg were getting involved. Cole & Ashton were beginning to link well as well. A Cole flick on sent Ashton wide of the goal. There didn’t seem to be too much danger as Ashton manoeuvred himself back to the corner of the box but suddenly he found the space to send a curling effort that brought another fine save from Niemi who tipped the goalbound shot over the bar. Damn him! The resulting corner from Noble caused a few problems but Fulham scrambled clear. (Gordon Thrower, 14th December, 2008)

The Guardian: The match changed before that; the cross swung in from the right by Freddie Ljungberg, from which Dean Ashton equalised, was by some way the best thing any West Ham player did in an abject opening half-hour. Suddenly, something clicked. For Ljungberg it might have been a familiar feeling, his recent hamstring troubles ending only after a masseur took extreme action on his back. "There was a massive crack," he said. "That did the trick." The only massive cracks from then on were in the Fulham defence. Twice Antti Niemi saved well from Ashton while Carlton Cole wasted a wonderful chance from Ljungberg's pass. In the second half Paul Konchesky cleared Cole's header off the line before Mark Noble slid in a low cross and Ferdinand shot into the roof of the net. "He's probably the best finisher at the club," said Cole, who certainly is not. (Simon Burnton, 14th December, 2008)

Sky Sports: Ashton, virtually anonymous for the rest of the half, then produced a fine equaliser. The ball was lofted high and hopefully towards the Middlesbrough area when Camara stood firm to lay the ball into Ashton's path. With several red shirts in attendance, Ashton surged through to drive powerfully past Schwarzer and into the bottom left corner... Ashton then showed another side to his game, foregoing brawn to dummy the Boro defence with some trickery of his own. But when the ball broke to Solano he fired low and wide.

Hammers Mad: The goal came from a Stewart Downing free-kick following a foul by Jonathan Spector on Jeremy Aliadiere. Aliadiere was on the spot to connect with the free-kick and head into the six-yard area where Wheater connected. Middlesbrough deserved the goal but they were stunned just before the break when West Ham drew level with a superb Dean Ashton volley. The former Crewe and Norwich striker hit a shot of tremendous power and accuracy into the corner of the net, leaving Schwarzer with no chance of stopping it.

Sunday Mirror: England Under-21 defender David Wheater had shot Boro ahead on 40 minutes. But Dean Ashton equalised just before the break with his fifth goal of the campaign, and the away-day specialists just about deserved Parker's well-taken winner. (Brian Mcnally, 23rd December, 2007)

The Guardian: Dean Ashton is not fat, according to one West Ham United supporter who sprang to his defence at The Riverside, it is just that he wears white. "Can a fat guy wear white?" might be a perennial debate in the fashion industry but this was probably the first time it had ever been used in defence of a Premier League striker. As Ashton strolled through the first half to the derision of Middlesbrough supporters, there was a powerful case for West Ham to come to his mercy and dress slim in an emergency switch to claret and blue stripes. And they would have been wise to remove the XL sponsors' logo while they were at it. Then the joking stopped. With half-time imminent, Lucas Neill lobbed a hopeful ball forward, Henri Camara let it run loose and Ashton cracked in an equaliser from 20 yards. The outsize striker had gained a clinical revenge. He had even walked very slowly from an offside position to do it. Total calories expended: about 2½. Total Middlesbrough fans silenced: about 24,000. "That's what I'm about," said Ashton. "Sharpness is not just about running. You can run all day and get nowhere. If I'm scoring goals, everyone says I'm fit; if I'm not scoring goals, then I'm unfit. Hopefully this can now be put to bed." Ashton deserves patience as he gradually fights back from a prolonged absence with a serious ankle injury. "I've got to get games under my belt," the former Norwich City player said. He could find a better place to keep them... On the whistle West Ham players stripped off their shirts and threw them into the crowd; Ashton sensibly kept his vest on. A local radio commentator scoffed that he was carrying "a lot of timber" but it was Middlesbrough who had been felled. (David Hoppes, 24th December, 2007)

Sky Sports: The first half was rather a non-event, with both sides reduced to speculative long-range efforts. However, the introduction of Ashton did much to inspire The Hammers, and within seven minutes of the second half the striker took up a clever position in the six-yard box to tap home. Ashton's goal sparked the encounter into life, and as the game begun to stretch, Mark Hughes' men piled on the pressure. But Rovers were guilty of missing decent chances, specifically through Roque Santa Cruz who blasted over late on. With three minutes remaining a stunning Tugay volley looked destined to hit the back of the net, but Robert Green reacted superbly to deny Blackburn a point. (9th December, 2007)

BBC Sport: Dean Ashton earned West Ham an impressive away victory at Blackburn. Ashton tapped in from close range after George McCartney's pull back to bring a low-key game to the boil. Rovers keeper Brad Friedel kept out a Luis Boa Morte strike to keep his side in the game but Roque Santa Cruz headed wide and blazed high at the other end. Ashton should have sealed it late on only to sidefoot high but the visitors held on, despite Tugay's stinging shot being saved by keeper Robert Green. (9th December, 2007)

Hammers Mad: Both sides made changes at the break, with Robbie Savage coming on for Aaron Mokoena and Ashton replacing Matthew Etherington to add extra fire-power for the visitors. And the Hammers substitution paid immediate reward. Just seven minutes after the restart, Rovers failed to clear their lines, with Brett Emerton twice losing possession, and McCartney drilled the ball across from the left for Ashton to side-foot home. (9th December, 2007)

Daily Telegraph: This time, with a largely British side in the top half of the Premier League and nine points above the drop zone, there should be no winter of discontent at West Ham. If Ashton continues to show the single-mindedness that characterised yesterday's cameo, they could yet join the cluster of clubs pushing for Uefa Cup places, while the player himself may finally represent England after being thwarted by ankle and hamstring problems. "It was a great start to a very big week for us," Curbishley said, looking ahead to two home games against Everton in the Carling Cup and Premier League. "Apart from the injuries we've had, we have had players trying to get fit playing in the first team, which is a very difficult thing to do. I had a good chat with Dean on Saturday because he had been out for five weeks with only one practice game and one reserve outing, but he looked sharp here." (Phil Shaw, 10th December, 2007)

Daily Mirror: The identity of the new England boss may be undecided but Dean Ashton and Robert Green provided compelling proof of why they are destined to play under him when appointed. Both have been jinxed on international duty in the past. Ashton's hopes of making his debut against Greece were dashed when he broke his ankle during training with England at Old Trafford and was ruled out for the whole of last season. And Green ruptured his groin when he took a goalkick playing for the B team, an injury which forced him to miss the 2006 World Cup after he had been selected in Sven Goran Eriksson's final 22-man squad. But at Ewood Park yesterday, both men produced commanding displays at their respective ends of the pitch, Ashton putting West Ham ahead with a clinical finish, while Green pulled off a series of fine saves to secure the win. With the England goalkeeping position up for grabs and a vacancy up front alongside Wayne Rooney, Green and Ashton will certainly be in the frame for the next international against Switzerland at Wembley on February 6 if both can stay fit. (David Mcdonnell, 10th December, 2007)

The Guardian: This was a victory that may prove pivotal for West Ham in what is sure to be an almighty scramble for both European football and Premier League security next year. Defeat would have left them peering anxiously over their shoulders but Dean Ashton's second-half strike lifted Alan Curbishley's side into the top half of the table, and will have filled them with confidence before this week's two matches against Everton in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup and then the league... Ashton, who has been troubled by injury this season, had replaced Matthew Etherington at half-time, with Luis Boa Morte switching to the left where he was so much more effective. The former Crewe and Norwich striker has had more than his fair share of injury problems, twice missing out on chances of playing for England, and his entry proved what an important player he is to West Ham, and could be for his country. With him leading the attack they were transformed, and Blackburn undone. (Steve Bierley, 10th December, 2007)

Sky Sports: Dean Ashton has told Sky Sports that he is making excellent progress from the medial ligament injury that has forced him to the sidelines. The West Ham striker has endured ill-luck with injuries over the past year, with this latest blow coming on the back of a broken ankle that prevented from making his international bow against Greece - the game which marked Steve McClaren's debut at the helm. Having made an impressive return to West Ham's first team this season, Ashton won his way back into McClaren's squad before being denied the chance to figure against Estonia and Russia due to an injury picked up in early October against Aston Villa. But rather than be downbeat about his current predicament, the classy front-man is remaining philosophical about such ill-fortune as he plots his return. "It's going really well, I've started training this week but obviously this weekend's game (at Derby) will come to soon," he told Sky Sports. "I can't deny it's been very frustrating but I haven't taken it too badly. I'm not a bad spectator so have been getting to the games to watch the lads. I try to take the positives, last time I had an awful lot of time on my hands to think about my overall game. This time it's only been five weeks, so it's just a case of topping up my fitness from the strength I built up in coming back from the ankle injury. I was feeling really fresh then so it's just a case of sharpening up. I'll be able to use the international break to get in a couple of reserve team games and hopefully that will stand me in good stead. I'm looking at the Tottenham game (on the 25th October) for my return and I'm confident I'll be ready for then."

Sky Sports: Another member of McClaren's latest England squad, Dean Ashton, had a quiet afternoon and picked up a knee injury which could rule him out of the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Estonia and Russia. (6th October, 2007)

Daily Telegraph: In fairness, as the late West Ham manager John Lyall used to say, the Hammers are spreading themselves a bit thin these days because of injuries. Yesterday they were without Craig Bellamy, Bobby Zamora, Anton Ferdinand, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer among others. Now it looks as if they may also lose the powerful Ashton again; he broke his ankle during England training in August last year and missed the rest of the season. McClaren, who had hoped that he might prove the ideal substitute for the injured Emile Heskey, seems destined never to get his hands on him. "I think it's very, very doubtful [he will be available for England]," said Alan Curbishley. "He couldn't run near the end, so I imagine that's it really, but it all depends how bad he's done it, obviously he's walking around". (Clive White, 8th October, 2007)

Daily Mirror: West Ham, whose striker Dean Ashton sustained suspected medial ligament damage to add to a huge injury list, could have equalised had sub Carlton Cole not spurned three chances as they crashed to a third straight league reverse. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said: "We have lost three games but it was only 1-0 again today and I think if we can get the first goal in a few matches we can go on a winning run." (James Nursey, 8th October, 2007)

The Guardian: The main hope for an equaliser was Dean Ashton. He will surely be in the England squad to be announced on Friday, even if sharpness is lacking slightly after a year of injury. A header straight to Almunia from Lee Bowyer's fine cross was particularly galling. (Kevin McCarra, 1st October, 2007)

The Guardian: During his rehabilitation Ashton, 23, was treated by John Green, a physiotherapist who has also worked with Owen, and he watched a lot of games. "I worked on every aspect of my physique with John Green but I also watched a lot of football, other teams as well as West Ham, and learnt a lot by looking at things from the outside. Being an onlooker taught me a lot," he said. "I feel I've a better understanding of football, a better feel for it. "Getting the chance to watch other teams was good for me. It's massively exciting to be back, though; I really appreciate every minute I play now and I'd like to think I can help West Ham progress up the table. I'm feeling very good at the moment. I feel I'm 100% fit." Physically imposing, Ashton is in the mould of the traditional centre-forward and is pleased to see his breed apparently coming back into fashion. "Emile Heskey was outstanding for England against Israel and Russia, so hopefully that shows there is room for a big guy up front," he said. (Louise Taylor, 25th September, 2007)

Daily Telegraph: After Harper denied Carlton Cole with a point-blank save, the powerful Dean Ashton bolstered his England chances by volleying past Harper in the 32nd minute for his second goal in consecutive games. The peroxide blond was head and shoulders above opposing defenders, holding off David Rozehnal to win Lucas Neill's long throw, then reacting quickest to volley the ball beyond Harper from six yards after Cole had won the next aerial challenge. His good work was undone four minutes before half-time as West Ham's defence was caught out again when Rozehnal's clearance fell kindly to N'Zogbia, who darted forward, beating Lee Bowyer before finding the unmarked Viduka who restored Newcastle's lead with a close-range finish... Freddie Ljungberg replaced Hayden Mullins to invigorate the Hammers and the Swede's introduction almost yielded an equaliser, but Harper expertly turned away Bowyer's volley following a move initiated by the former Arsenal player. (Rob Stewart, 24th September, 2007)

The Guardian: Dean Ashton, scorer of a superb volley for a sporadically sweet-passing West Ham side badly betrayed by suspect defending, finally seems to be well on his way back to full fitness after more than a year spent recuperating from an ankle broken while on England duty. It was Ashton's second goal in as many games and Alan Curbishley, who said he would not discourage McClaren from including his attacking talisman in England's next squad, said: "Dean is looking stronger and stronger and getting sharper with every game. Unlike Michael Owen he has had no setbacks during pre-season. I don't know if he is quite ready for international football yet but Steve has been watching our games and we'll just have to see what happens."

 

Dean Ashton's goal against Newcastle United

 

The Guardian: Ashton was on the pitch for all but nine minutes and capped an immaculate exhibition of centre-forward play with the third goal. This may have been a matter-of-fact finish at the far post after Boro had failed to cut out a clearable centre but it was Ashton's first in competitive games since the 2006 FA Cup final, and team-mates and fans celebrated accordingly. "He looked strong today," said Curbishley. "Two weeks ago against Reading he looked leggy but he's played for the reserves since and it's done him the world of good." By contrast the defensive excellence which distinguished West Ham's 3-0 victory at the Madejski had given way to a repetition of the collywobbles that have dogged their performances at home this season. "We sat down at half-time thinking we had done well," reflected Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager. "I couldn't see anything between the sides. But we didn't get out of the blocks in the second half." (David Lacey, 17th September, 2007)

Daily Telegraph: There was no doubting the significance of the moment, in the 62nd minute, when Ashton turned Matthew Etherington's cross home just inside the far post. "When I scored I felt a bit of everything. It was a bit special. Even though it was only from a few yards it meant a lot," Ashton said. "I have been watching videos of myself. It was the only way to keep myself going. I am still worrying about scoring again, to show people I am fit and winning my place in the team. I could set myself targets for the season but I expect to score in every game." It is not just his goalscoring habit. West Ham have also missed Ashton's physical presence, elevated work-rate and ability to bring team-mates into the game. Ashton had received an England squad call-up when he was injured in training in Aug 2006. Now he already has eyes on the international arena again. (Mark Ogden, 15th September, 2007)

Dean Ashton's goal against Middlesbrough

The Times: Dean Ashton, the West Ham United forward, has said that watching Michael Owen’s return to goalscoring form for club and country has reinstilled his belief that he will partner the Newcastle United forward for England. This time last year the former Crewe Alexandra player was dealing with the realisation that he would miss the whole season. Some even suggested that the ankle injury he suffered during a training session while on England duty signalled the beginning of the end for Alan Pardew, the West Ham manager at the time, who was dismissed in November 2006 and succeeded by Alan Curbishley... “Steve liked me enough to pick me in that first squad, but that was a long time ago. A lot of things have happened since then and he has picked Emile Heskey. Of course, I think I could play Emile’s role, and it’s very important to have a player like that in the England team. I think it is underestimated how important his little touches are. It’s so important that everyone links up and that Michael Owen can get behind into the spaces. “Without setting the world alight, Emile put in a hell of a performance which, from a striking point of view, was very significant.” (Aidan Magee, 15th September, 2007)

Daily Mirror: Dean Ashton completed a magical return from injury... but admitted he will still have to play through the pain barrier for another year. The West Ham hit-man scored his first goal since the 2006 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool after missing the whole of last season with a broken ankle. It has been a long and winding road back for Ashton as he suffered complication after complication in his rehabilitation from an injury he suffered in training while on England duty last August. He needed two operations to repair his ankle - and the key to keeping his spirits high during a season of gloom for Hammers last term was "a little bit of magic." West Ham boss Alan Curbishley brought in Italian sports psychologist Roberto Forzoni to give his players a lift last season, and Forzoni, a member of the Magic Circle, entertained the squad with tricks from his repertoire. "He is a good man to have around the place," said Ashton. "I know him from when I played with England under 17s. I have always liked the way he does things. He has been around a long time and he knows his stuff." Forzoni's magic and motivational skills have certainly put a spring back into Ashton's step even if he is still some way off being fully fit again. He says it will be another six months at least before his ankle is painfree. (John Cross, 18th September, 2007)

The Times: Ashton could make his first start since breaking an ankle in an England training session just under a year ago in tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie away to Bristol Rovers, but Alan Curbishley, the manager, will not rush him back. “He’s worked so hard to get back to full fitness,” Curbishley said. “If he isn’t 100 per cent right when he goes out there, and if he starts and gets tired it might cause problems. We think we’ve got him where he should be now.” (Nick Szczepanik, 27th August, 2007)

The Guardian: As the game progressed the home crowd became increasingly demanding, and increasingly they were demanding Dean Ashton. As with Carlos Tevez when he arrived last December, Curbishley is keeping his most popular striker on the bench, though Ashton should start tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers as he continues his comeback from a broken ankle. "The crowd calling my name makes me feel fantastic," said Ashton. "It gives me a buzz and makes me want to show my appreciation of them on the pitch." If Ashton is desperate to reward the West Ham fans with a goal, he is not alone. "You want that goal," said Bellamy, still searching for his first for the club. "Sometimes that takes over everything, which it shouldn't do. You want to get off the mark." Five of the Hammers' starting XI are yet to score for them, and watching the substitute Lee Bowyer's joy on breaking his own duck in the 81st minute can't have helped their mood. "He went a bit mental," surmised Ashton. "He feels like the first time he came to West Ham (on loan in 2003) he didn't show what he can do. This time he's out to show that." (Simon Burnton, 27th August, 2007)

Daily Mirror: Dean Ashton has declared himself ready and raring to go for England - now he just needs a starting place in the West Ham side. Irons boss Alan Curbishley insisted he is "easing" the £7.25m striker back into action following his horror ankle break last August. But after failing to win at home for the second time this season - and rumblings of crowd discontent similar to when Carlos Tevez was benched last season - the No.9's return to the side is now inevitable after his introduction helped salvage a point against Wigan... "I am raring to go," said Ashton after linking up West Ham's attacking during his lively 30-minute substitute appearance. "I'm ready to be let loose, but I've got to be patient and just wait my turn."I'm available to play for England. I don't expect to walk back into the squad but I do feel ready to play if picked. It's just a case of the manager picking me. That's a massive dream of mine." Ashton is a class above Bobby Zamora, who started against Wigan, and the West Ham faithful know it. As their dominance of possession failed to be converted into goals, the chants of: 'Deano, Deano' echoed around the Boleyn Ground before his introduction."It's very special to hear fans calling my name, especially after the year I've had," Ashton continued. "It makes me feel really good, and spurs me on to come on and try to influence the game." ( Neil McLeman, 27th August, 2007)

The Guardian: Should the Germany game come too soon for Michael Owen, McClaren could look at different methods. At the outset of his tenure he had resolved to pick Dean Ashton, until the West Ham forward's ankle was broken in training. It has taken the player a year to get over it and his appearance for 27 minutes of Saturday's defeat by Manchester City suggests he is not in peak condition. Nevertheless Ashton had looked strong in pre-season friendlies and he has attributes that are not associated to the same extent with Peter Crouch, who is suspended from the Israel game. The West Ham player organises attacks with his capacity for taking possession and bringing team-mates into a move. It would be informative to discover how England fared with him as a lone striker. (Kevin McCarra, 14th August)

Sporting Life: With just under half an hour remaining Curbishley called on Ashton, who had not played a game since breaking an ankle on England duty 12 months ago. Yet, with Richards matching Ashton stride for stride and jump for jump, the move actually stopped West Ham's flow, allowing City to force themselves back into the contest.... But the golden moment Ashton had been waiting for arrived 11 minutes from time as Etherington picked him out with a deep cross. The striker took aim from 10 yards, only to see his first-time volley skim the crossbar. (12th August)

Sunday Times: It was surprising, three minutes later, when West Ham finally brought Dean Ashton, peroxide blonde hair and all, onto the field as central striker but only and bizarrely to push Etherington into a deeper position on the left, with Bellamy deployed on the left-hand side of what became a three-man attack... West Ham did make a couple more late chances. A shrewd ball from Mark Noble put Zamora narrowly clear, but he snatched at the ball. A minute later, when Etherington broke yet again, his accurate cross was volleyed high over the top by Ashton. (Brian Glanville, 12th August)

WestHamOnline: Didn’t really get going when he came on. I still have upmost confidence in the man's ability despite fluffing a golden chance in the second half. Its time to start Deano and watch him go. (Vinny, 11th August)

The Guardian: Upton Park has finally lost its Argentinian star to Old Trafford but West Ham United supporters should stop singing Carlos Tevez's praises and embrace their team, says the Hammers' England international striker Dean Ashton. "It would be very sad if the fans just carried on singing about Tevez and weren't singing about the other players in the team," said Ashton. "We want to put that behind us, start a new season and get the fans excited with that. "Everyone wants a fresh start and the players we've brought in have given us an extra buzz. There has been a lot of changes at the club and it feels like a decent place to be and that shows." Ashton showed enough in 45 minutes during West Ham's 2-1 win against Roma on Saturday to suggest that he is more than capable of filling the void left by Tevez's move to Manchester United, both as a goalscorer and as something of a cult hero among Hammers fans. (6th August, 2007)

Sunday Times: At times, though, this did not seem much like a friendly, given the number of cynical fouls and aggressive, full-blooded challenges, but it was the manner of the performance, particularly after half-time, and the rehabilitation of striker Dean Ashton, which would have been encouraging for Alan Curbishley. “Deano has worked ever so hard, perhaps two months more than the others, to come back fully fit,” the manager said. “I had never seen him play or even train before. The last three weeks have been an insight.” .... Ashton, who did not play last season after breaking his ankle while training with the national team, was introduced at half-time and evidence of his burgeoning class came shortly before the hour when he received the ball on the right-hand wing, skipped past one feeble challenge and then slid the ball through the legs of Curci. “It has been a long year for him but he has a thrown down a marker [to the rest of the team],” said Curbishley. (5th August, 2007)

KUMB: United's equaliser (against Roma) arrived 18 minutes into the second half when George McCartney latched on to a Freddie Ljungberg corner to nod home at the far post. Just three minutes later the Hammers were ahead through half-time substitute Dean Ashton - Ashton weaving his way in from the right flank befre driving home across Curci. (4th August, 2007)

 

Dean Ashton's goal against Roma

 

Hammers Mad: Craig Bellamy is backing Dean Ashton to make some waves this year, saying when he does 'we'll all know about it' The Welsh hit man told football365.com: "Deano has had a big, big injury - and I know what that is like when you are out for a year. "He needs to get himself right, get his ankle right and then get games under him. "It took me a while to get my confidence back after a similarly big injury - but as soon as he gets it right, we'll all know about it. "He's a top player, and I'm looking forward to seeing him back in action." (26th July, 2007)

BBC News: Dean Ashton scored his first goal for West Ham in almost a year as Alan Curbishley's side drew 1-1 in a friendly with Leyton Orient. Ashton joined West Ham in January 2006 for £7.25m from Norwich but made only nine starts before he broke his ankle while training with England. The England striker hit a swerving 30-yard shot past Orient keeper Glenn Morris after 15 minutes. (24th July, 2007)

 

Dean Ashton in 2007 (Hammers News)

 

BBC News: West Ham striker Dean Ashton admitted he feared for his future during his year out with a broken ankle. Ashton had his first taste of action since his injury in England training last August as West Ham beat Dagenham and Redbridge 2-0 in a friendly. The 23-year-old said: "There were times when I thought I might not get back, so I'm really going to enjoy this season. "It was an absolute joy to be out there playing, it has been a long, tough year and I'm glad to be back." (15th July, 2007)

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