Coaches have paid tribute to former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton after he announced his retirement yesterday at the age of 26.

Ashton has succumbed to a long-term ankle problem which he initially sustained when training with England in August 2006.

Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp joined the tributes to Ashton, expressing regret at a promising career cut short.

"Good player, terrific striker," the Tottenham manager told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He was in the England squad and looked like he was going to play for England when he picked up that injury.

"I wish him all the best in the future.

"It's really sad to see a young guy retire so early.

"He was a very good player."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had long admired Ashton, and once contemplated taking a chance on a move for the powerful striker when he was at Crewe.

The Gunners boss said: "It is very sad that Dean Ashton has to retire because I always thought he was a very intelligent and efficient player.

"I liked him personally as a player and as a personality on the pitch.

"It is sad, but in our job you depend on your health.

"The first quality of a good football player is that they have a good health and we forget that many times."

Crewe manager Dario Gradi, who gave Ashton his professional debut at the age of 16, was not surprised by the announcement.

"We'd all seen it coming for a long time," he told Press Association Sport. "He's been injured for a while and I think that Dean was prepared for it.

"The saving grace for Dean is that he has had a bit of a career and will have made enough money not to have to work again."

Gradi, who managed Ashton as he went on to score 74 goals for Crewe, also feels England will be greatly affected by his retirement.

"It's a shame for Dean but it's a great shame for England," he said. "They are crying out for a big striker and that is what he is.

"Dean has always been a goalscorer. He made his debut at 16 and the good players usually make their debuts around that age. He was a good player and he could have achieved what he wanted."