Real Bedford can confirm the signing of attacking midfielder Rio Deall. So far, the 22-year-old has spent the 2025/26 season at Royston Town on a dual registration with Hemel Hempstead Town.

Deall started his career at MK Dons, playing for their academy until he was 18. He then made the transition to senior football in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances for Winslow United.

The 22-year-old had spells at Kings Langley and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos before signing for AFC Dunstable in the 2023/24 season.

After impressing for the OD’s, Deall made his first move to a step three club, joining Hitchin Town at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Deall continued to accelerate his development at the Canaries, earning himself a move to National League South side Hemel Hempstead in December 2024.

He was loaned back to Hitchin before the end of the year and ended the season with nine goals in 32 league appearances in the Southern League Premier Central.

The versatile playmaker, who can also play out wide, committed to the Tudors at the start of the 2025/26 season before joining Royston on a dual registration in August 2025.

He will now join the Pirates and be available for Saturday’s trip to Stratford Town.

On joining, Deall said:

“I’m really excited to be joining Real Bedford as it marks the start of a new chapter for me. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and show what i’m about.”

Sinclair said:

“Rio’s a great character, he’s hungry to learn, wants to improve, and has the right attitude to fit straight into our environment. On the pitch, he’s an exciting attacking player who’s brave on the ball, direct, and always looking to make things happen in the final third. We’re really looking forward to working with him and helping him develop with us.”

Welcome to the Pirates, Rio.