Tony Bedeau

Looking at the Photos of Tony, I do feel a hint of sadness really, I still felt he could have been playing at a higher level than he is now. I do wonder why players want to play at much lower levels than where they used to play. I can only think its because they just love playing football and want to play until they can no more.

A young man starts out , hoping to get to the highest level he can, some make the top, some maybe half way, while others never really get anywhere. I always have felt that no matter who you are or what you do, its always best to quit at the top. I know some big name players, who ended up playing at a much lower level, Gazza playing for Boston, is one that comes to mind, sure you can all think of many more.

If I had played the game I love, I really don't think I would have let myself ending up much lower down, to where I had got to at my best.

When I had a dream about being an entertainer, I set my mark as to where I would hope to end up one day. I was always a funny man(still am) knew I could sing and decided I needed to learn to play the keyboard, so I could just be a one man act. Every second I had spare, I spent learning how to play the thing, until one day I though I might be ready.

So I booked the Barton Pines, invited 50 people and put on a meal for all of them. You see I thought If they didn't like my music and act, they would have at least been fed and watered, so should still go home happy. Made mistakes, was very nervous, but I knew I could do it.

Weeks went by and it was near the New Year, I was collecting the milk money from the landlord of the Manor In Galmpton and asked if he was putting on anything on News Year Eve. He said no, so I offered to do him a free show and he agreed. In the pub that night some people from the Con Club at Preston, who came up to me and ask if they could book me for their club.

My first paid show and it was a nightmare because I did not know I was booked because I had played all the great music from the 60's and 70's. It seems all the acts were all old time music, all the dancing was sequence dancing. I started of and soon had a few up at the keyboards demanding old time music. To try and please, I played a few I knew, only to have the other ones coming up demanding I only play my 60's etc. So it was a hard night, but I got paid.

I was soon working in small hotels, my bread and butter really and got some Social clubs to do along the way. After a few years I had got to where I really set out to be playing at all the top hotels in the Bay, all the good Social clubs and a few holiday parks chucked in as well.

I had then had a choice to make, try and push on even higher, or knowing you can only play these venues for so many years, drop back down or stop all together. I had done all I set out to do and didn't really fancy ending up playing to 25 old dears in a small hotel in Paignton, so I ended it all, my last show being at the Rainbow International.

I have been asked many times to consider doing shows again, but I know I could not walk back into the venues I really always wanted to play in and did. No, I could not start at the bottom again, I quit where I had wanted to get, so maybe its just me being over sentimental about Tony, but those photo's do make me a little sad.

Gazza went to Boston

Dave, I understand where you are coming from when you say that you feel a little sadness at Tony Bedeau's plight.

However, as I spoke to him before yesterdays game, Beds was quite philosophical about it all.

You see Tony realised that due to limited first team appearances and also a loan spell at Weymouth, playing for Torquay was bound to come to an end sooner rather than later....and therefore, it was time for a change.

Hence, Tony moved back to Hammersmith - to be around his family once more.

The Kingstonian move came about because he has a close friend that plays for them......and on yesterday's performance, give him time to settle in, and he'll be fine.

He even muted that he could be doing some "Football In The Community" work for a local league side in the near future (as Kingstonian FC are only part- time).

Let's not forget that Beds still owns property in the bay too - you may still see him from time to time.

So, all in all, don't be sad for the lad - be happy.

After all, he's back amongst his family AND he's still involved in the game that he loves!!

I see Beds has a hairstyle like me, Kev...Except my shaven bit goes through the middle

We can always rely on you to lower the tone Mr Bridgman. In fact I haven't been exposed to such rudery since Butler kicked off at the referee at Hayes! ;D