Bedford FC

[LondonEagle]

6 hours ago, Rhodes said:

LondonEagle - you don't appear to be a big fan of Peter McCormack and what he is trying to achieve at McMullen Park, is that due to jealously and worry knowing that if he succeeds with his ambitious plans Bedford Town would no longer be the biggest Club in the town, 

Tbh that genuinely isn't the main reason. Largely i am not a big fan of the whole Bitcoin angle. I understand why he is going down that route, because that is his field.

Football clubs don't generally exist to promote a particular ethos, product, way of life, or however Bitcoin is defined. The match programme is very impressive for an SSML club, as are the sponsors boards at the ground. There isn't a single local or non-Bitcoin company featured in either though.

Even then, that wouldn't really be an issue, but the fact that they have partnered with 2 youth set-ups (Bedford Ladies and Girls and Bedford Park Rangers boys) makes me a little uncomfortable. Substitute Bitcoin for online gambling and how OK would everyone in football be with that eg if Paddy Power decided to set up a football club to promote online gambling and all the club's sponsors were gambling related, and they were holding workshops on matchdays to 'educate' fans about online gambling and setting-up lots of youth teams, what would be the general reaction to that?

Plus for Gemini and the US sponsors they want to promote a fairy story of how their sponsorship enabled Real Bedford to compete with Chelsea etc, but in the meantime Bedford Town are basically the David to Real Bedford's Goliath and the underdog story is Bedford Town and the other local clubs trying to compete with the might of Real Bedford's US sponsors and global merch sales, armed only with local fans and local businesses supporting them.  

 

[RallyInRaleigh]

41 minutes ago, LondonEagle said:

Tbh that genuinely isn't the main reason. Largely i am not a big fan of the whole Bitcoin angle. I understand why he is going down that route, because that is his field.

Football clubs don't generally exist to promote a particular ethos, product, way of life, or however Bitcoin is defined. The match programme is very impressive for an SSML club, as are the sponsors boards at the ground. There isn't a single local or non-Bitcoin company featured in either though.

Even then, that wouldn't really be an issue, but the fact that they have partnered with 2 youth set-ups (Bedford Ladies and Girls and Bedford Park Rangers boys) makes me a little uncomfortable. Substitute Bitcoin for online gambling and how OK would everyone in football be with that eg if Paddy Power decided to set up a football club to promote online gambling and all the club's sponsors were gambling related, and they were holding workshops on matchdays to 'educate' fans about online gambling and setting-up lots of youth teams, what would be the general reaction to that?

Plus for Gemini and the US sponsors they want to promote a fairy story of how their sponsorship enabled Real Bedford to compete with Chelsea etc, but in the meantime Bedford Town are basically the David to Real Bedford's Goliath and the underdog story is Bedford Town and the other local clubs trying to compete with the might of Real Bedford's US sponsors and global merch sales, armed only with local fans and local businesses supporting them.  

 

I find it to be a very fair and accurate critique in how the locals perceive the club vs. the international fans like me. Locals both in those like Bedford Town but also the other SSML clubs are basically seeing (sorry USA centric themes incoming) The New York Yankees in Real Bedford. The are operating at a totally different level financially than their direct peers and, almost by definition, are the Goliath to the rest of their leagues David. Internationally, fans are operating as is we are on a year by year promotion schedule until proven otherwise and already view their peers as those floating closer to the National League. That's not reality but "we" (I hope you can all see I'm reasonable and actually invested in the SSML as it stands today) are looking up and seeing ourselves as the underdog against those top clubs and largely ignoring the present. 

I don't grant the premise on bitcoin harming the youth. How much time do you think kids spend thinking about the corporate values of "Fly Emirates" or "Qatar Airways" when watching a match? Are they concerned with the environmental impact of international flights? Or how the gas is sourced for those planes? Bitcoin is a high risk asset. It's not going to sneak into your kids bedroom at night and ask them to buy drugs. Real Bedford doesn't make fans use it in any way to attend a match. Or buy concessions. Or join the youth squad. Their team website has an entire section dedicated to providing resources to learn more and another on why it might not be right for you. And that's that. Peter is VERY passionate about it and holds meet ups to educate those that are interested in it locally. You don't have to attend them to get into a match or a discount on tickets. It's just kind of there. And I think it's wildly unfair to conflate Peter using it as a means to bring international interest and support to his club as somehow akin to asking kids to learn about gambling.

As for the local business angle, I also think that's a fair critique. He has stated publicly he wants to get more local support and at obvious discounts to what his club would demand on the open market. I'd suggested things like an official pub of the club where should say Bedford score 4 goals, all those with tickets get x% off drinks following the match. This type of tactic is something regularly used stateside have no clue if there is a similar model in the UK. Either way, I'd like to see more local business investment and imagine we will. Remember, he's owned the club for less than a year. It's going to take time to build these relationships especially when it's obvious that people have strong opinions on him either way and some just won't want to be aligned with him. I'm hopeful that you'll see more in the future especially as the club sees more local interest--which I understand it has. 

[LondonEagle]

Thanks Rally, appreciate your take on things.

Big signing for Bedford Town yesterday: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordtownfootballclub/news/eagles-welcome-thorne-signing-2728056.html

[RallyInRaleigh]

That seems like an absolutely incredible signing. And the Eyrie might be the best name for a grounds I've ever heard. Just has such a strong/intimidating connotation. 

[Rhodes]

Bedford Town had a good 3-0 win last night over Hitchin Town with George Thorne coming on as substitute, there's an informative match report from Hitchin Town complimenting the stadium and the hosts vocal support which I guess Real Bedford will have some catching up to do on matchdays:

https://hitchintownfc.club/event/8422/

[LondonEagle]

On 13/09/2022 at 14:15, RallyInRaleigh said:

That seems like an absolutely incredible signing. And the Eyrie might be the best name for a grounds I've ever heard. Just has such a strong/intimidating connotation. 

The original Eyrie in the Town Centre was a magnificent ground. Record attendance 18,000 v Everton in the FA Cup in 1966.

Here it is when Bedford lost 2-1 in an FA Cup replay to Arsenal in 1956 after Extra-Time, after the first tie finished in a 2-2 draw at Highbury: 

 

[RallyInRaleigh]

On 15/09/2022 at 17:38, LondonEagle said:

The original Eyrie in the Town Centre was a magnificent ground. Record attendance 18,000 v Everton in the FA Cup in 1966.

Here it is when Bedford lost 2-1 in an FA Cup replay to Arsenal in 1956 after Extra-Time, after the first tie finished in a 2-2 draw at Highbury: 

 

Hey Charlie, you're offside too! I'm dying. The crowd was deafening on that day, though, goodness. 

[Rhodes]

ReaI Bedford certainIy produce good graphics don't they, here was where and when you could watch yesterday's impressive 4-1 win over Holmer Green from around the WorId, other than the UK that is, how typicaI is that. AIso see the match programme:

Holmer Green FC v Real Bedford FC (17th Sept 2022) by Holmer Green Football Club - Issuu

[Cruz]

If you watch  the live commentaries on Youtube you would indeed find people do in fact watch these matches from all corners of the planet, as previously stated I watch each match from Bolivia reminiscing  from my days of watching Bedford Utd during the 1990's. Each match people send messages via Twitter, from memory these messages have come from the USA, Mexico, Canada and Australia perhaps many other countries as well, they really do have international support.

[RallyInRaleigh]

I don't want to get used to a Walker-less RBFC but they stepped up behind Brown for a convincing win in the end. Officially top of the table and a massive tilt set up for Tuesday. First proper crack at a team trending toward the top of the table. Excited to see how they match up. 

[Rhodes]

On 18/09/2022 at 18:23, RallyInRaleigh said:

I don't want to get used to a Walker-less RBFC but they stepped up behind Brown for a convincing win in the end. Officially top of the table and a massive tilt set up for Tuesday. First proper crack at a team trending toward the top of the table. Excited to see how they match up. 

Moulton FC Iost tamely at Letchworth Garden City EagIes so there shouldn't be any probIems tomorrow evening at McMuIIen Park. Here are both match reports from the HoImer Green game:

Holmer Green 1-4 Real Bedford - All matches (First Team) - Holmer Green Football Club (holmergreenfc.co.uk)

Bedford’s 6TH Straight League Win Takes Them Back To THe Top of THe Table | Real Bedford FC | Running Bitcoin

Edited September 20, 2022 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

On 19/09/2022 at 19:34, Rhodes said:

Moulton FC Iost tamely at Letchworth Garden City EagIes so there shouldn't be any probIems tomorrow evening at McMuIIen Park

RaIIyInRaIeigh - See the match programme from this evening's MouIton FC game, it shouId be an interesting affair. So your kick off time is 2.45pm then according to the graphic and, I gather, the same in BoIivia ?: 

TWP #4 - Real Bedford v Moulton FC by Real Bedford FC - Issuu

Edited September 20, 2022 by Rhodes

[RallyInRaleigh]

1 hour ago, Rhodes said:

RaIIyInRaIeigh - See the match programme from this evening's MouIton FC game, it shouId be an interesting affair. So your kick off time is 2.45pm then according to the graphic and, I gather, the same in BoIivia ?: 

TWP #4 - Real Bedford v Moulton FC by Real Bedford FC - Issuu

You got it. The blowout is on at McMullen park!

[Cruz]

Viva Real Bedford 5,0 against Moulton FC. 

 

 

[RallyInRaleigh]

I'm having fun. Might have to see if I could make it in for a promotion party if things continue on this path...

[Rhodes]

2 hours ago, RallyInRaleigh said:

I'm having fun. Might have to see if I could make it in for a promotion party if things continue on this path.

RaIIyInRaIeigh - Saturday's game at Amersham Town will be an interesting one, it all hinges on whether Real Bedford's defence can keep Lewis Putman quiet. Then they are at the same venue next Tuesday to take on London Tigers however it's a Division One Cup tie so there will sadIy be no live stream for you and Cruz to watch.

[RallyInRaleigh]

1 hour ago, Rhodes said:

RaIIyInRaIeigh - Saturday's game at Amersham Town will be an interesting one, it all hinges on whether Real Bedford's defence can keep Lewis Putman quiet. Then they are at the same venue next Tuesday to take on London Tigers however it's a Division One Cup tie so there will sadIy be no live stream for you and Cruz to watch.

Definitely will be interesting to see how the manage to keep up with these top scorers. Evans from Moulton never got anything going but they barely possessed the ball, seemingly, after the first 15 minutes or so. I've been encouraged to see Hitchcock and Brown step up with Walker sidelined. The offense has certainly been humming all season and hope that depth will give them a leg up on the competition as the season progresses. 

[Rhodes]

Rob SincIair wiII Iose Jordan Brown to suspension at some point as he picks up yeIIow cards Iike confetti, or at Ieast he did at Eynesbury Rovers when he was there, perhaps he is a reformed character these days.

[Cruz]

On 20/09/2022 at 19:33, Rhodes said:

- See the match programme from this evening's MouIton FC game, it shouId be an interesting affair. So your kick off time is 2.45pm then according to the graphic and, I gather, the same in BoIivia ?: 

Hello Rhodes. You are correct the kick off was at 2.45pm in Bolivia, Keep up the good work, as I enjoy reading your posts.

[Rhodes]

3 hours ago, Cruz said:

Hello Rhodes. You are correct the kick off was at 2.45pm in Bolivia, Keep up the good work, as I enjoy reading your posts

Thanks Cruz, it won't pIease Karen to read that, it's a shame more members don't contribute and it is Ieft to new ReaI Bedford fans overseas thanks to Peter McCormack taking over the CIub aIthough, having said that, you are not a new fan and appear to have reIocated to BoIivia after your retirement for personaI reasons, presumabIy from Bedfordshire or Northamptonshire. It was interesting to hear that you foIIowed the CIub back in the day when they were stiII known as Diemer & Reynolds, that was a good few years ago as I recaII Bedford United joined the United Counties League, in Division Three, in 1971/72. What is BoIivia Iike by the way, do you enjoy living over there.

[RiderJake]

On 12/09/2022 at 21:04, RallyInRaleigh said:

I find it to be a very fair and accurate critique in how the locals perceive the club vs. the international fans like me. Locals both in those like Bedford Town but also the other SSML clubs are basically seeing (sorry USA centric themes incoming) The New York Yankees in Real Bedford. The are operating at a totally different level financially than their direct peers and, almost by definition, are the Goliath to the rest of their leagues David. Internationally, fans are operating as is we are on a year by year promotion schedule until proven otherwise and already view their peers as those floating closer to the National League. That's not reality but "we" (I hope you can all see I'm reasonable and actually invested in the SSML as it stands today) are looking up and seeing ourselves as the underdog against those top clubs and largely ignoring the present. 

I don't grant the premise on bitcoin harming the youth. How much time do you think kids spend thinking about the corporate values of "Fly Emirates" or "Qatar Airways" when watching a match? Are they concerned with the environmental impact of international flights? Or how the gas is sourced for those planes? Bitcoin is a high risk asset. It's not going to sneak into your kids bedroom at night and ask them to buy drugs. Real Bedford doesn't make fans use it in any way to attend a match. Or buy concessions. Or join the youth squad. Their team website has an entire section dedicated to providing resources to learn more and another on why it might not be right for you. And that's that. Peter is VERY passionate about it and holds meet ups to educate those that are interested in it locally. You don't have to attend them to get into a match or a discount on tickets. It's just kind of there. And I think it's wildly unfair to conflate Peter using it as a means to bring international interest and support to his club as somehow akin to asking kids to learn about gambling.

As for the local business angle, I also think that's a fair critique. He has stated publicly he wants to get more local support and at obvious discounts to what his club would demand on the open market. I'd suggested things like an official pub of the club where should say Bedford score 4 goals, all those with tickets get x% off drinks following the match. This type of tactic is something regularly used stateside have no clue if there is a similar model in the UK. Either way, I'd like to see more local business investment and imagine we will. Remember, he's owned the club for less than a year. It's going to take time to build these relationships especially when it's obvious that people have strong opinions on him either way and some just won't want to be aligned with him. I'm hopeful that you'll see more in the future especially as the club sees more local interest--which I understand it has. 

You know, you've said a lot of right and good things. I especially liked the one about discounts in the pub when goals are scored. It's an interesting model and will increase fan engagement. Need to offer something like this at my local pub

[Cruz]

16 hours ago, Rhodes said:

Thanks Cruz, it won't pIease Karen to read that, it's a shame more members don't contribute and it is Ieft to new ReaI Bedford fans overseas thanks to Peter McCormack taking over the CIub aIthough, having said that, you are not a new fan and appear to have reIocated to BoIivia after your retirement for personaI reasons, presumabIy from Bedfordshire or Northamptonshire. It was interesting to hear that you foIIowed the CIub back in the day when they were stiII known as Diemer & Reynolds, that was a good few years ago as I recaII Bedford United joined the United Counties League, in Division Three, in 1971/72. What is BoIivia Iike by the way, do you enjoy living over there.

Hello Rhodes. I supported Bedford Town FC from 1963 to 1982 even going to Newcastle for that great win. I would watch Bedford United or Bedford Avenue when the Eagles did not have a match which was not often , I would also watch Bedford Reserves in the Metropolitan League, after the demise of Bedford Town, I started to watch Bedford United on a regular basis. I followed Diemer and Reynolds as they were my local team at the time. I was at the Bedford Utd v Bedford Town match when the attendance was over 1000.

 

I retired five years ago and thankfully in good health, I decided I wanted to experience life in another country upon research I discovered that most South American countries offer retirement visa's providing your income is not less than $1200 per month. Why Bolivia? Bolivia and Paraguay have the cheapest cost of living, my pension goes  a long way here. and I was already in contact with some Bolivian people. Yes I am loving living in Bolivia and have had no problems.

. 

I have the opportunity to watch so much live football here. Every Saturday I can watch three Premier League games , two on Sundays, plus midweek matches. Champions League football I normally have a selection of five live matches to select from two are normally English teams. I limit myself to watching football here as not only can I watch live Bolivian matches, live matches here are also available from Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. At the moment I am watching the Belguim v Wales match. Viva Real Bedford for Saturday at Amersham.

[LondonEagle]

4 hours ago, Cruz said:

I was at the Bedford Utd v Bedford Town match when the attendance was over 1000.

I was at the game as well. Hard to believe 30 years ago now. Went to all 4 of the Bedford Town v United games in the SML as it was then in 91/92 and 92/93. Both teams had some good players then -  Jason Reed and Ian Phelan at Bedford Town,  Tony McGovern at Bedford United and Jamie Hunter who played for both. Saw Jamie at Bedford Town last season with a few other of Town's ex-players from that era. The United Manager was Neil Kirkup i think, who scored the winning goal in my first-ever Bedford Town match (also my first ever football match in 1980 v Corby.

91/92 United finished 3rd in the league and Town 4th and 92/92 Town were promoted as Champions and United finished 3rd. Town's goal difference was plus 124 that season and won 36 out of 42 games. Real Bedford yet to drop a point this season so on course to be as good or better a season than that for them, can't see anyone except maybe Ampthill getting even close to them.

 

 

[Rhodes]

6 hours ago, Cruz said:

even going to Newcastle for that great win

Have you stiII got the programme ?:

[LondonEagle]

There's a good account and pictures from the Newcastle game here - excellent site with a history of the old Bedford Town club, gets rather sad towards the end:

https://sites.google.com/site/bedfordoldeagles/best-years-introduction-page/season-by-season-in-photos-1950-67/1963-4-in-photos