Gianfranco Zola's admission that he is concerned over the future of Dean Ashton is at least a recognition of something that most fans have been discussing for some time. Even someone with a bit part on 'Casualty' knows only too well that an ankle injury that has taken the best part of two years to heal does not sound right and it can only be guessed at the problems that have really taken their toll on the Hammer's striker.

It's hard not to feel sorry for both parties in this matter; Dean Ashton would surely have been contemplating South Africa next summer had he remained fit and West Ham would either have benefited from the 15+ goals a season Ashton would have supplied or, perhaps, the £30m+ that Dean would surely have recouped in the transfer market as his Premiership goal tally mounted. The fact that the infamous Hammers injury blight originally occured at an England training session is an ironic fact not lost on anyone

The West Ham manager confirmed his fears about Ashton in a press conference last week: "I can't say 'I'll give you three months', I can't force his progress along. But I do respect his willingness to come back and I am going to be supportive to him, not the one who is pushing him" Zola was quoted as saying. The Italian, however, refused to discuss unsubstantiated rumours that retirement has been considered: "We have not discussed that at all and anyway he knows I trust him and whatever he does I have been trying to help and will keep trying to help him."

As I write this I can see my Hammers 2009 calendar open for September and, on it, is the sight of Ashton's number 9 shirt from the back as he wheels away, arm raised in the air in celebration of the goal he has just scored. As a possible farewell it could not be more poignant. One wonders if Zola isn't looking at the same picture this month.

Elsewhere, Calum Davenport, the defender who was stabbed in the legs and remains in hospital, also commented on his progress." ...I have quite a long way to go on the road to recovery, but I am feeling positive," he said, going on to praise."..the club, my team-mates and fans, the club doctors and the amazing staff at Bedford Hospital who have looked after me so well..."

Davenport also praised the Soccernet West Ham correspondent personally when adding "I would also like to thank anyone who has ever donated blood, because you probably saved my life. I would like to encourage everyone to give blood.".

Blagg, a Gold Card holder with many years of selfless blood-letting, was quoted as saying "I'm pleased to hear my blood was held back to help the players of the club I support". Before going on: "If anyone else wants any of my A+ RH positive then feel free to help themselves". He later amended his comments though when asked if this offer extended to all Premiership players "Of course, none of it is allowed into North London or, indeed, anywhere beyond the boundary of the Canning Town flyover where, in any case, it will curdle and have a negative effect". Mr Blagg is 89.