Dean Ashton could really, really play.
The forward scored 74 times in 177 appearances for Crewe Alexandra before joining Norwich City, where he netted 18 goals in 46 matches ahead of a move to West Ham United.
Ashton managed six goals for the Hammers in the second half of the 2005-06 campaign, but his best scoring season for the London club came in 2007-08, when he managed 10 Premier League goals in 31 appearances.
Ashton managed just two more league goals for West Ham, however, before announcing his retirement in 2009 at the age of 26 having failed to recover from a long-term ankle problem.
The striker broke his left ankle whilst training with England in August 2006, which led to several operations.
Ashton tried on a number of occasions to return to full fitness, but ultimately retired from the sport following medial advice.
Ashton is still seen as a popular figure with the West Ham fans, and many were present on social media on Saturday morning to respond to a quote from the former England international where he hailed the club’s supporters.