FORMER shot prima Tony Bedeau has died astatine the property of conscionable 45.
Tributes person poured successful for the ex-Chelsea younker subordinate and Torquay United fable from team-mates and fans.
PA:Press Association
GettyBedeau passed distant from a aesculapian contented astatine his location successful westbound London, according to reports.
As a people of respect, Torquay volition clasp a minute’s applause earlier kick-off against Hornchurch astatine Plainmoor connected Saturday.
A nine connection read: “Tony’s passing has shocked each of us, and our thoughts and condolences are with his household and friends astatine this incredibly hard time.”
Co-chairman Michael Westcott said: “Tony was 1 of the astir breathtaking players to person worn the yellowish garment – and 1 of my idiosyncratic favourites.
“His gait and energy brought truthful overmuch to the team, and helium was overmuch loved by our fans.”
“We are profoundly saddened by his passing. He volition everlastingly beryllium a portion of Torquay United’s legacy, and we connection our sincerest condolences to his household and each those who knew him.”
Bedeau started his vocation with Torquay – making his debut astatine 16 years aged – having antecedently been connected the books astatine Chelsea.
He was calved successful Hammersmith and represented Grenada – done his father’s birthplace – 4 times astatine planetary level.
The ex-striker scored 65 goals successful 374 appearances during 2 spells with Torquay.
That full places him eighth connected United’s all-time quality list.
Bedeau joined the Gulls arsenic an apprentice successful 1995 and helped them decorativeness 3rd successful what is present League Two successful 2004.
He near the nine successful 2006 to articulation Walsall but returned to Plainmoor a twelvemonth aboriginal earlier ending his vocation astatine non-league Kingstonian.
Renowned for his gait and flair, Bedeau was revered arsenic 1 of the champion strikers to play for Torquay.
‘Beds’, arsenic helium was known astatine Plainmoor, played successful the 1998 Play-Off Final astatine Wembley and was adjacent to big-money moves to Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.
Tributes person flooded successful from fans and retired players.
Former semi-pro footballer James Constable – who present works arsenic a subordinate liaison astatine Oxford United – wrote connected X: “Heartbreaking to perceive of the passing of ex team-mate and person Tony Bedeau.
“He volition beryllium missed by everyone who knew him, honestly 1 of the nicest guys you could meet. RIP Beds.”
One protagonist added: “One of the archetypal footballers I retrieve watching live. Cult leader for Torquay successful the precocious 90s/00s.”
While a Walsall instrumentality said: “Tony Bedeau helped springiness maine 1 of the top seasons of my life. It is simply a bittersweet day.”
Walsall stated: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s friends, household and everyone astatine Torquay.”
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