First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
Dean Ashton (Striker)
Dean Ashton
SwindonPosition: Striker
Born: 24th Nov 1983 (Swindon)
Signed: 22nd Jan 2006 (£7,000,000)
Contract: 5 years (signed June 2008)
Previous Club: Norwich City
KUMB Awards: Goal of the Season 2007/08, (third place) 2015/16; Best Signing (third place) 2005/06; Most Missed 2009/10, Best Podcast Guest 2015/16.
Dean Ashton started his professional career at Crewe under the tutelage of the highly-experienced Dario Grady.
He left Gresty Road for Norwich in a ??3m deal four-and-a-half years after making his debut for the Championship side as a 17-year-old, before joining the Hammers 17 months later in a club record ??7m deal.
Cited as one of the most promising youngsters in English football, Ashton has scored regularly for both of his clubs - and for the England under-21s.
Dean Ashton is yet play any matches this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
West Bromwich Albion
2-3: Saturday, 13th SeptemberBarely involved prior to being forced off early on with a nasty cut.
Blackburn Rovers
4-1: Saturday, 30th AugustOn the fringes, really. It's quite frustrating at times but you almost feel as if he's holding back. As much as he tried to claim the second goal the adjudication panel won't have it.
Blackburn Rovers
4-1: Saturday, 30th AugustNot quite the force he can be, which may be enough to keep him at home this week.
Macclesfield Town
4-1: Wednesday, 27th AugustA good game. Dangerous in the first half but quieter thereafter. Was involved in goals/chances in extra time and showed good energy, commitment and fitness.
Manchester City
0-3: Sunday, 24th AugustDidn’t look particularly inspiring even before his day became one big hiding to nothing.
Manchester City
0-3: Sunday, 24th AugustDidn't have much to work with, was starved of service for pretty much the whole game.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustTook the goals well in an impressive first period though he was given little of the ball in the second period before he succumbed to injury.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustTook the goals well in an impressive first period though he was given little of the ball in the second period before he succumbed to injury.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustTook the goals well in an impressive first period though he was given little of the ball in the second period before he succumbed to injury.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 16th AugustTwo excellent goals, will have impressed Fabio in the stands. Got to be a cert for Wednesday's England friendly.
MLS AllStars
2-3: Friday, 25th JulyQuiet for much of the game but scored two goals - and you can't ask for much more from your striker.
Aston Villa
2-2: Saturday, 10th MayAlways dangerous, his goal was superb.
Manchester United
1-4: Saturday, 3rd MaySuperb goal and worked hard despite the injury obtained in putting the ball away.
Manchester United
1-4: Saturday, 3rd MayDon't know why he was taken off, great display of effort and fantastic goal in first half. At the centre of all our attacks.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 26th AprilIs improving every week. Held the ball up very well and fully deserved his goal. Helped to create a number of chances, unlucky not to score late on.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 26th AprilAlways looked dangerous and was perhaps unlucky not to add to his goal.
Portsmouth
0-1: Tuesday, 8th AprilOne first half effort aside was fairly anonymous.
Sunderland
1-2: Saturday, 29th MarchLed the line well but was a virtual passenger towards the end as another knock took its toll.
Everton
1-1: Saturday, 22nd MarchLittle success as the lone striker but scored a superb goal and combined well with Sears after the break.
Blackburn Rovers
2-1: Monday, 17th MarchHe really looks like he's back to his best. Has looked sharp in last two games but his turn and shot today really proved it. Must hold on to him in summer.
Blackburn Rovers
2-1: Monday, 17th MarchSears will grab the headlines but Deano was my MOTM. Worked his socks off with his chasing and caused Blackburn no end of problems. Took his goal superbly and played a major part in the winner. A welcome return to form.
Tottenham Hotspur
0-4: Monday, 10th MarchPlaying one up is a thankless task when you are down to ten men. To his credit he worked harder than we have seen from him of late.
Chelsea
0-4: Saturday, 1st March(replaced Boa Morte, 46) Misplaced pass after pass.
Fulham
1-0: Saturday, 23rd February(replaced Cole, 80) Looked a little sharper than of late and did well in running the clock down at the end.
Birmingham City
1-1: Saturday, 9th FebruaryGot into some promising positions but failed to capitalise.
Birmingham City
1-1: Saturday, 9th FebruaryGot into some promising positions but failed to capitalise.
Wigan Athletic
1-0: Saturday, 2nd FebruaryLumping it in his general direction is not a proper tactic. However you would hope for more in the way of effort.
Liverpool
1-0: Wednesday, 30th January(replaced Bowyer, 58) No real contribution when coming on as sub.
Liverpool
1-0: Wednesday, 30th January(replaced Bowyer, 58) No real contribution when coming on as sub.
Manchester City
0-1: Wednesday, 16th JanuaryIt was frustrating for him. He could have scored and at times he linked play well. But he lacked the pace to trouble Richards, and the ball seems to stick under his feet too much. That didn't seem to happen pre injury.
Fulham
2-1: Saturday, 12th JanuaryBetter, much better. The half yard of anticipation that has been missing of late made a welcome return as evidenced by his goal. Still not quite there yet but well on his way.
Manchester City
0-0: Saturday, 5th JanuaryHe can perform acts other strikers can't, and his touch remains on song. He's too heavy though. Whether it's bulk or fat, he needs to lose it because otherwise he just won't be able to move or turn like a striker should be able to. Capello wouldn't give him the time of day.
Manchester City
0-0: Saturday, 5th JanuaryClearly he is some way from his best. Seems to realise he needs to chase a ball down about a second after the rest of us. The impending return of Bellamy might see him on the bench in the coming weeks.
Arsenal
0-2: Tuesday, 1st January(replaced Cole, 71) Still not right. Needs to be more up for a chase to close down defenders – it seems to be more of an afterthought at the moment by which time the ball is long gone.
Manchester United
2-1: Saturday, 29th December(replaced Ljungberg, 70) A bit more running than of late but failed to cause too many problems.
Manchester United
2-1: Saturday, 29th December(replaced Ljungberg, 70) A bit more running than of late but failed to cause too many problems.
Manchester United
2-1: Saturday, 29th December(replaced Ljungberg, 70) He didn't appear to do much but his introduction gave the team more attacking thrust at a time when the game seemed to be slipping away.
Reading
1-1: Wednesday, 26th DecemberHe was indeed a goal threat and could have had a hat-trick on another day. However he still looks a tad heavy- will the fans' patience last. A few whispered rumours that he is a sulky presence and it will do him no favours. Something of an enigma.
Everton
0-2: Saturday, 15th DecemberGot nothing out of the four players marking him and was penalised every time he went for the ball. Should have scored.
Everton
0-2: Saturday, 15th DecemberA conundrum. He is not fit but must play due to other injuries, and during that time, his inability to show his true form may harm true perceptions of his ability. However it would be galling to believe accusations of sulks and laziness.
Chelsea
0-1: Saturday, 1st December(replaced Etherington, 79) Bustled a bit but probably needed more time to make a real impression.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-1: Saturday, 24th November(replaced Bowyer, 72) Same as Parker really – right down to the bit about the save from Robinson.
Aston Villa
0-1: Saturday, 6th OctoberDidn't see much from him, largely due to the lack of service. Looked a bit tired and eventually did his knee ligaments.
Aston Villa
0-1: Saturday, 6th OctoberNot really at the races and injured late on.
Arsenal
0-1: Friday, 28th SeptemberDid okay but should have scored with the header.
Middlesbrough
3-0: Saturday, 15th SeptemberNot quite back to his best but a good game nevertheless and a vast improvement on his run out at Reading. A fully fit Ashton with a fully fit Bellamy will be worth watching.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberHis first start and understandably rusty. But he was better than Zamora and we need that. Looks like he can build an intelligent and dangerous partnership with Bellamy. Booked for doing up his shoe laces, the ingrate. Needs match fitness.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberThe only other real disappointment on the day – not quite ready yet but the minutes under his belt will help.
Reading
3-0: Saturday, 1st SeptemberThe only other real disappointment on the day – not quite ready yet but the minutes under his belt will help.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th August(Replaced Zamora, 61) Beginning to show some good touches. I’d like to see him start games now – he’ll get more match fitness that way.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th August(Replaced Zamora, 61) Beginning to show some good touches. I’d like to see him start games now – he’ll get more match fitness that way.
Wigan Athletic
1-1: Saturday, 25th August(Replaced Zamora, 61) Could stand to lose some weight is my Dr. Gillian moment- otherwise, won most of his headers, played a part in the goal and was skillful on the ground. Encouraging.
Birmingham City
1-0: Saturday, 18th AugustDid not play.
Birmingham City
1-0: Saturday, 18th AugustDid not play.
Manchester City
0-2: Saturday, 11th August(Replaced McCartney, 62) A couple of chances gave a hint of what might be to come. Short of sharpness. Dodgy barnet.
Manchester City
0-2: Saturday, 11th August(Replaced McCartney, 62) Painfully unfit, his touch betrayed him. When will we see him at his best again? One thing's for sure, we can't wait for it because as it stands, we're not going to score many goals.
Manchester City
0-2: Saturday, 11th August(Replaced McCartney, 62) A couple of chances gave a hint of what might be to come. Short of sharpness. Dodgy barnet.
Olympiakos
1-1: Saturday, 12th AugustLooked lean, mean and dangerous. This could be his year.
Liverpool
3-3: Saturday, 13th MayNo further comments.
Liverpool
3-3: Saturday, 13th MayLike Etherington injury had prevented Deano from training ahead of the game, however he led the line superbly and his goal was well deserved.
Middlesbrough
1-0: Sunday, 23rd AprilA constant thorn in the side of the Boro’ defence. Great set up header for the goal.
Middlesbrough
1-0: Sunday, 23rd AprilA constant thorn in the side of the Boro’ defence. Great set up header for the goal.
Manchester City
1-0: Saturday, 15th AprilWorked hard but seemed to lack a bit of spark. At least he’s stopped making the same runs as Zamora.
Manchester City
1-0: Saturday, 15th AprilReally very poor today, should have been brought off at half time.
Manchester City
1-0: Saturday, 15th AprilReally very poor today, should have been brought off at half time.
Chelsea
1-4: Sunday, 9th AprilSpent much of the match ploughing a lone furrow up front. When that happens the ball into the striker needs to be accurate to allow him to control it. Too often it was pinged at Deano rather than played to him.
Chelsea
1-4: Sunday, 9th AprilQuestions marks have been raised in recent weeks about Ashton's fitness, and more questions will be asked today following an ineffectual performance.
Charlton Athletic
0-0: Sunday, 2nd AprilLooked like he could do with a rest to be honest.
Manchester United
0-1: Wednesday, 29th MarchComments to follow.
Wigan Athletic
2-1: Saturday, 25th MarchComments to follow.
Manchester City
2-1: Monday, 20th MarchMade a worthy contribution in all areas of the pitch, the two goals were merely the icing on the cake. The watching England manager can't have failed to be impressed.
Portsmouth
2-4: Saturday, 18th MarchDid not play.
Bolton Wanderers
2-1: Wednesday, 15th MarchAlways a threat and a joy to watch.
Bolton Wanderers
2-1: Wednesday, 15th MarchStruggled to get into the game and was eventually replaced halfway through extra-time.
Bolton Wanderers
1-4: Saturday, 11th MarchDid not play.
Everton
2-2: Saturday, 4th MarchHis best performance since his move. Held the ball up well and battled bravely on despite receiving some often brutal treatment.
Everton
2-2: Saturday, 4th MarchDrool.
Bolton Wanderers
0-0: Saturday, 18th FebruaryHis first full appearance without a goal, and Ashton looked slightly lost at being asked to lead the line on his own. Bar the one second half chance which he buried into the side netting he never really threatened.
Birmingham City
3-0: Monday, 13th FebruaryTwo in as many starts and both goals coming from the same spot on the left hand side of the Bobby Moore end penalty box. One smashing pass between defenders to Yossi as well.
Birmingham City
3-0: Monday, 13th FebruaryWest Ham had suffered by not having a big target man prior to Ashton's arrival; his performance tonight - although not outstanding - showed what a difference he makes. Another trademark poachers goal gives him the impressive stat of two goals from just two starts.
Sunderland
2-0: Saturday, 4th FebruaryHad a better second half. The introduction of Sheringham meant that he was no longer plying the same channels as Bobby and he put away the goal well.
Sunderland
2-0: Saturday, 4th FebruaryHad a better second half. The introduction of Sheringham meant that he was no longer plying the same channels as Bobby and he put away the goal well.
Arsenal
3-2: Wednesday, 1st FebruaryHeld the ball up well when we needed an “out”. His running and pressure started the series of events that led to the third.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.
Dean Ashton did not play for West Ham during this season.