Walsall have made their first signing of the Summer - Torquay’s pacy and skillful right winger Tony Bedeau, on a pre contract agreement.

Anthony Charles Osmond Bedeau (born March 24, 1979 in Hammersmith, London) is a full international for Grenada. He was Torquay’s longest serving player.

After being on Chelsea’s books as a schoolboy, he joined Torquay United as an apprentice in 1995, making his debut as a substitute, at the age of 16, on the 9th of September 1995 against Cardiff City at Ninian Park. Signing professional on the 28th of July 1997, he sooned established himself as a first-team regular with his pace and ability attracting attention from Premier League sides, which included him training with Sheffield Wednesday for a spell on the recommendation of Chris Waddle, followed by Torquay turning down a bid of £50,000 from Wednesday. 2000-01 was not Tony’s best season, he started it with an injury, only managing 5 goals in a disappointing season all round for the Gulls. Despite this he was still in demand from other clubs. In September 2000, Torquay turned down a £200,000 offer from a first division side, thought to be Oxford United, just after he had returned from a week on trial at Sunderland.

In May 2001 he agreed to an extending his Plainmoor contract until 2003. After a poor start to the following season he was transfer-listed by new manager Roy McFarland and in January 2002 he joined first division Barnsley on loan, playing 3 times as a substitute for the Oakwell side. He returned to Torquay, regaining his place in the first team and played a major role in Torquay securing automatic promotion in 2004, playing in a variety of positions.

He was awarded a testimonial by the club in the 2005-06 season.

Bedeau is quoted on the Official site as saying:

“I have been at Torquay a long time and felt that I needed a new challenge. There were a lot of clubs who expressed an interest in me, but Richard Money did a fantastic job in selling the club to me and one look around the stadium and facilities convinced me that this was the right move.

There is a superb set-up here and, with respect to Torquay, I see it as a step up. I have played a lot at this level over the years and also the level above and want to play my part in helping Walsall get back their League One status.

I just love playing football and will play wherever I am asked to. The start of the season cannot come soon enough for me now”.

The last comment is interesting, as he is versatile, having played as an emergency striker, right back and right wing back in his time.