Dean Ashton was grateful to West Ham United fans for their warm welcome last week.

Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers.

"It's nice to come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."

After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing.

"That's what you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and getting their reactions when you score and when you play well."