FA cough up - at last

Dean Ashton has agreed an out-of-court settlement with the FA in regards to compensation for ruining his career.

The former Hammers striker was forced to retire in his mid-20s as a result of a challenge by Shaun Wright-Phillips whilst both were on England duty in 2006 - since when the player has battled to receive adequate compensation.

27-year-old Ashton - who, given today's market rates, would almost certainly be worth in excess of £25million - called it a day in 2009 after being told that his career was finally over, following three years of operations and rehabilitation.

The level of compensation is, as expected, undisclosed; a statement on the FA's website this evening read:

"The FA is pleased to announce that the legal proceedings brought by Dean Ashton following his unfortunate injury during training the day before his debut for England in August 2006 have been settled upon terms mutually acceptable to the parties and their insurers. It is a term of the settlement that no further statement will be made by any of the parties."

Ashton - who has already received a pay-off from West Ham United in the region of £2million - is now unable to partake in any sporting activity, having had his ankle fused together last year to prevent further degeneration.

West Ham are also in the process of suing the FA for the loss of Ashton.