🎙️⚽ Welcome to Episode 4 of The Champ & Contender Podcast, where we sit down with former England international and current football pundit, Dean Ashton, for an unforgettable conversation about his football career, the heartbreak of early retirement, and his new life in punditry. From career-defining moments to the pain of a devastating injury, this episode is packed with insight, emotion, and plenty of humour.

🏆 Career Highlights & Heartbreaks Dean recalls the moment he learned he was starting in a game that changed his career forever: “The best news I’d ever heard in my life.” The FA Cup Final: the pinnacle of his career, followed by the heartbreaking aftermath. A devastating injury: Dean shares the agony of thinking his football career was over after breaking through the middle of his joint. The grief of leaving football: “The thought of watching football would just make me upset.”

⚽ Iconic Moments on the Pitch Reliving his iconic overhead kick at Old Trafford, one of the greatest moments of his career, against Manchester United. Facing Rio Ferdinand: Dean breaks down why Rio Ferdinand was the toughest and most intelligent defender he ever played against.

🍺 Showstopper Segment The Showstopper Segment is back with a football twist! Dean Ashton faces the ultimate dilemma: choose between football legends like Shaka Hislop, Scott Parker, and Craig Bellamy—or take a shot. Who will he pick as the ultimate champ?

🏟️ Plus Dean shares his personal motto: “If Chris Wood can, I can” and what it means to keep the footballer’s spirit alive. Behind-the-scenes insight into the highs and lows of life as a football pundit, and what it’s like to analyze the game from a different perspective. This episode is packed with inspiration, raw emotion, and an honest look at life after professional sports. Whether you're a football fan, someone interested in sports punditry, or simply looking for stories of resilience, Dean Ashton’s journey will leave you inspired.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Champ & Contender Podcast for more amazing guests, powerful sports stories, and a deep dive into the world of football and punditry! Click the link below for access to all of our socials.

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00:00 Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:29 Introducing Dean Ashton

01:42 Dean Ashton's Football Journey

07:45 Challenges and Realizations

18:00 Joining West Ham

31:22 FA Cup Final Memories

42:51 The Kickoff Confusion

43:04 Tensions on the Field

43:34 Post FA Cup Final Reflections

43:58 Preseason Vibes

45:13 Team Dynamics and Jokers

46:02 Beer Festival Mishaps

46:37 Funny Moments on the Pitch

48:52 The England Call-Up

53:28 The Career-Changing Injury

55:28 Coping with Career Setbacks

01:01:37 Mental Health in Football

01:07:35 Memorable Goals and Moments

01:12:45 Shotstopper Game: Norwich vs West Ham

01:18:29 Player Critiques and Comparisons

01:18:50 Yossi Benayoun vs. The Rest

01:22:29 Craig Bellamy Takes the Lead

01:25:57 Reflecting on Defenders and Striker Roles

01:40:34 Coaching and Media Career

01:46:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell