The Hammers striker was once considered to be one the most complete English center forwards around, but after suffering a broken ankle following a challenge with Shaun Wright-Phillips whilst training on England duty in August 2006, he has never been the same since.
Ashton, still only 26 years old, has had extensive treatment and many operations on the ankle and has tried to come back numerous times but has suffered a number of set-backs.
West Ham’s CEO Scott Duxbury spoke of the news on the official site, “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.”