Deano to come back to Boleyn Ground one last time

Former Hammer Dean Ashton has become the fifth former player today to commit to Mark Noble’s testimonial on the 28th March.

Deano tweeted: “Mark Noble just made my year!! Honoured to help celebrate his service to #WHUFC in testimonial in front of packed Upton Park crowd! #MN16“

Dean Ashton retired from professional football at the age of 26 after failing to recover from a long-term ankle injury. He broke his left ankle while training with England in August 2006, ahead of a friendly with Greece.

He underwent several operations but was unable to return to full fitness and has followed medical advice to retire. Ashton scored 19 goals in 56 appearances for the Hammers after joining them from Norwich in a £7.25m move in January 2006.

Deano joins Gary O’Neil, Jimmy Walker, Ravel Morrison, Carlton Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Trevor Sinclair who have announced they will be taking part in Nobes’ special Easter day. Paolo Di Canio and Joe Cole have are also thought to have been approached by Noble and have accepted.