Express & Star

Walsall complete signing of striker Tom Bradshaw

By
Published
Last updated

Walsall have today signed former Wales under-21 striker Tom Bradshaw.

more

The 21-year-old turned down the option of a new deal at Shrewsbury Town to join the Saddlers on a two-year contract, after the two clubs reached an agreement.

Bradshaw scored seven goals in 30 appearances for the Shropshire club last season but spent much of the campaign sidelined with a knee injury.

Boss Dean Smith has been hunting strikers after opting not to offer last season's top scorer Craig Westcarr a new deal at the end of the campaign.

"We are delighted that we have finally been able to secure Tom's services," said Smith. "We know all about him and the qualities that he will bring to us.

"He's a player that has always caught my eye whenever he has played against us at various levels or I have watched him.

"He's a determined and talented lad who links up the play well and can score goals. Despite his age, he has almost 100 appearances for Shrewsbury under his belt and was playing in the top-flight of the Welsh game at just 16 years of age, so he has plenty of game knowledge in his locker already.

"I believe that we can further develop him here and really bring the best out of him; he's a good age and I am delighted that we have been able to agree this deal with Shrewsbury."

Bradshaw first burst onto the scene in the Welsh Premier League as a teenager at Aberystwyth Town.

His displays alerted plenty of attention and in the end it was his hometown club, Shrewsbury Town, who captured his signature, paying a compensation fee to the Welsh club.

Continuing his impressive progress for The Shrews at youth and reserve team level, he went on to make his senior debut in April 2010, scoring with his virtually his first touch and adding another goal later in the game.

Capped by Wales at Under-19 and Under-21 level, he has amassed almost 100 senior appearances for Shrewsbury Town and was a popular figure both on and off-the-field.