Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue.
The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart.
The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.
Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?
DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."
Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?
DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."
And what are you up to these days, Dean?
DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."
You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?
DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."
What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?
DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side.
"It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."
