West Ham United chief Scott Duxbury has confirmed the retirement of Dean Ashton.

Ashton has announced his retirement at the age of 26.

Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive, confirmed the news and paid tribute to the striker.

"This is a sad day and our thoughts are with Dean," he said. "I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all his efforts and wish him the very best. I would also like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding during what has been a difficult time."

West Ham paid Norwich City £7.25 million for Ashton in January 2006, but it seems that his career has ended four years later, having made only 43 appearances for the club.