Player Profile Dean Ashton
Dean Ashton became Norwich City's record signing when he joined the Canaries from Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £3million in January 2005. A product of Dario Gradi's famed Crewe Academy, Dean joined the Gresty Road club as a schoolboy and went on to progress through the youth ranks to earn his first professional contract. He made his League debut for Crewe in October 2000, coming on as a second-half substitute during a match at Gillingham. His first start then came in an FA Cup replay against Cardiff City in January 2001. A first League goal came during Crewe's 4-2 home success over Burnley in February 2001, and regular first-team football followed. The goals soon began to flow for Dean and his progress was constantly monitored by a number of Premier League scouts. His goalscoring ability was rewarded with international recognition. He has been capped by England at various youth levels, including Under-19 and Under-21. The 2004-05 season saw Dean top the Coca-Cola Championship scoring charts, and once the January transfer window opened Canary boss Nigel Worthington made Dean's signing his number one priority. A powerful striker with great close control and a superb eye for goal, Dean had no problem taking his talents on to the Barclays Premiership stage and registered seven goals in 16 games for the Canaries. Official 2005-06 Norwich City FC Handbook |