Bedford FC

[Rhodes]

On 22/04/2024 at 12:49, Rhodes said:

Will it be another League and Cup double for Rob Sinclair's men on Wednesday evening

Following their 3-1 win last night over Cockfosters in the Final of the SSML Premier Division Cup Real Bedford join the ranks of Preston North End in 1888–89, Aston Villa in 1896-97, Tottenham Hotspur in 1960–61, Arsenal in 1970-71, 1997–98 and 2001–02, Liverpool in 1985–86, Manchester United in 1993–94, 1995–96 and 1998–99, Chelsea in 2009–10 and Manchester City in both 2018-19 and 2022-23 as League and Cup double winners. See some early local press coverage:

Real Bedford win the double with cup victory over Cockfosters - Bedford Independent

[Rhodes]

On 23/04/2024 at 12:29, Rhodes said:

A reminder, in the unlikely event you should need it, that Real Bedford Ladies travel to Royston Town Ladies Garden Walk home tomorrow (Wednesday 24 April) evening and a win will definitely secure the Eastern Region Women's League Premier Division Championship, if it hasn't Officially already been secured. It is very odd isn't it that the fixture is the same night as the Men's SSML Premier Division Cup Final, at Colney Heath against Cockfosters, I'm sure some, if not all, of the Ladies would have liked to be present at the Recreation Ground to support Rob Sinclair's heroes

A 1-1 stalemate for Real Bedford Ladies then last night at Garden Walk against a very good Royston Town Ladies side, still on a high after lifting the Hertfordshire Women's Senior Challenge Cup last Sunday when beating far higher ranked Watford Ladies in the Final:

[Rhodes]

On 24/04/2024 at 11:19, LondonEagle said:

https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/letters-bedford-town-fcs-short-sigtedness-leaves-a-slightly-bitter-taste/

LondonEagle - Thanks for that and for being 'transparent', it just goes to show that Bedford Town must absolutely be kicking, sorry, toe punting themselves for showing Mr McCormack the door of The Eyrie when he came calling:

Dear Editor, it looks like the short-sighted, selfish attitude of “l wanna be in charge” by the Bedford Town boardroom will pay a heavy price by their refusing to take the imaginative offer they received a couple of years ago, to let the Club be taken over by Bitcoin man [Pete McCormack]. It is very sad that the position of an old established club like Bedford Town will probably go under within the next few years. The only good thing is that Real Bedford will take its place and probably become a very successful organisation in a far higher level of football that Bedford Town dreamed about and have thrown away. l have been a regular follower, it leaves a slightly bitter taste. Tim Hatton. Bromham.

[Savagebee]

 

[LondonEagle]

Initial Step 4 projections for next season, including Southern League Division One Central. 22-team league next season, up from 19 this season:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j9Xsb52BW6OYS98S4SIM4ueejxbA2I9CHePzrzlqSlk/edit#gid=1776804446

Edited April 25 by LondonEagle

[Rhodes]

15 hours ago, LondonEagle said:

Initial Step 4 projections for next season, including Southern League Division One Central. 22-team league next season, up from 19 this season:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j9Xsb52BW6OYS98S4SIM4ueejxbA2I9CHePzrzlqSlk/edit#gid=1776804446

LondonEagle - Thanks for posting that, it's still very early days isn't it, for example Bedford Town are shown in the Southern League Premier Division Central which is debatable at the very least, they would have to beat an in-form Ware side in a play-off Semi Final and then AFC Dunstable or Waltham Abbey in a Final, albeit both at The Eyrie however Waltham Abbey won 1-0 there on 30 March and AFC Dunstable won 3-0, also at The Eyrie, on 19 March when it could have easily been 5 or 6-0.

[LondonEagle]

1 hour ago, Rhodes said:

LondonEagle - Thanks for posting that, it's still very early days isn't it, for example Bedford Town are shown in the Southern League Premier Division Central which is debatable at the very least, they would have to beat an in-form Ware side in a play-off Semi Final and then AFC Dunstable or Waltham Abbey in a Final, albeit both at The Eyrie however Waltham Abbey won 1-0 there on 30 March and AFC Dunstable won 3-0, also at The Eyrie, on 19 March when it could have easily been 5 or 6-0.

Yes, in all the divisions they have just picked the side in 2nd currently for the 2nd promotion spot for the initial projections. It does make it clear that they are just projections, obviously Hitchn Town are shown in SLC1 but they could stay up tomorrow in SLCP.   

Anyway, I did congratulate Real on winning the title, but do continue with your relentless negativity on anything Bedford Town-related. You seem to have missed that they can still win the title tomorrow as well.     

Edited April 26 by LondonEagle

[Rhodes]

It's excellent news regarding the lease at McMullen Park isn't it:

Breaking news: Real Bedford secures 15-year lease at McMullen Park - Bedford Independent

Real Bedford: McMullen Park lease extended, owner says - BBC News

I am pleased to announce that the Council has just confirmed that they will be giving @realbedford a 15 year lease extension at McMullen Park. This is great news for the town and everybody involved in football in Bedford. Thank you to those who worked hard to get this over the line, especially Alan Young at @BedsFA

[Rhodes]

Real Bedford Ladies entertain Luton Town Ladies tomorrow (Sunday 28 April) and a win will officially secure the Eastern Region Women's League Premier Division Championship with only Luton Town Ladies currently able to catch them if, in the unlikely event, they happen to win all of their remaining League fixtures, including tomorrow at McMullen Park, having played two games less. Even then Real Bedford Ladies would need to drop points in their remaining three League fixtures at Luton Town Ladies next Wednesday (1 May), at Stevenage FC Ladies on 5 May and at home to AFC Dunstable Ladies on 12 May who of course they also meet in the Final of the Bedfordshire FA Women's County Cup on 8 May. It has been a 'heady' season for the Ladies with never a dull moment:

The math is simple, if @RBFCLadies beat Luton Town on Sunday they will win the League. Please come down on Sunday and help the ladies get this over the line. Kick-off is 2pm at McMullen Park. Tickets available here: Real Bedford Ladies v Luton Town | Real Bedford FC | Running Bitcoin

Edited Thursday at 09:39 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

There was an interesting interview with boss Rob Sinclair on last Monday's Ollie Bayliss BBC Three Counties Radio Non League Show, fast forward to 52 minutes into the show. Rob talks with stand in host Sam Avery about the Club's achievements this season, the recent investment and his London Marathon run last Sunday in a very respectable time of just over five hours taking into account his past football related injuries and suffering from chronic achilles tendonitis:

The Non-League Show - Sam Avery sits in. Title wins and relegation battles - Sam Avery sits in. Title wins and relegation battles - BBC Sounds

[Rhodes]

I wonder what LondonEagle has to say about this wonderful £10,000 olive branch and bridge building offer made by Mr McCormack to neighbours Bedford Town towards their pitch fund, I assume the Club will grab his arm out of it's socket and work together with Real Bedford in future rather than against them:

In light of us getting our lease extension it’s time to build bridges with our neighbours. I love Bedford and all teams survival is important so we’d like to offer £10,000 towards Bedford Town’s pitch fund.

[Rhodes]

On 25/04/2024 at 13:24, Rhodes said:

Following their 3-1 win last night over Cockfosters in the Final of the SSML Premier Division Cup Real Bedford join the ranks of Preston North End in 1888–89, Aston Villa in 1896-97, Tottenham Hotspur in 1960–61, Arsenal in 1970-71, 1997–98 and 2001–02, Liverpool in 1985–86, Manchester United in 1993–94, 1995–96 and 1998–99, Chelsea in 2009–10 and Manchester City in both 2018-19 and 2022-23 as League and Cup double winners. See some early local press coverage:

Real Bedford win the double with cup victory over Cockfosters - Bedford Independent

See some highlights from the SSML Premier Division Cup Final between Cockfosters and Real Bedford on Wednesday 24 April and the wild celebrations that followed the fairly comfortable 3-1 victory:

[Rhodes]

On 26/04/2024 at 13:21, LondonEagle said:

Yes, in all the divisions they have just picked the side in 2nd currently for the 2nd promotion spot for the initial projections. It does make it clear that they are just projections, obviously Hitchin Town are shown in SLC1 but they could stay up tomorrow in SLCP.   

Anyway, I did congratulate Real on winning the title, but do continue with your relentless negativity on anything Bedford Town-related. You seem to have missed that they can still win the title tomorrow as well.     

LondonEagle - You are really clutching at straws aren't you, do you honestly believe that Bedford Town will still get automatic promotion this afternoon. The same goes for Hitchin Town avoiding relegation to Step 4, it will teach Brett Donnelly a stark lesson for leaving Stotfold in the lurch just like Lee Bircham did at Leighton Town, disloyalty and treachery never pays in football and what goes around comes around.

[Rhodes]

On 25/04/2024 at 13:52, Rhodes said:

A 1-1 stalemate for Real Bedford Ladies then last night at Garden Walk against a very good Royston Town Ladies side, still on a high after lifting the Hertfordshire Women's Senior Challenge Cup last Sunday when beating far higher ranked Watford Ladies in the Final

The two goals from Real Bedford Ladies hard fought 1-1 draw at Royston Town Ladies last Wednesday evening including the equalising strike from Francesca Partridge: 

[Rhodes]

On 27/04/2024 at 11:31, Rhodes said:

The math is simple, if @RBFCLadies beat Luton Town on Sunday they will win the League. Please come down on Sunday and help the ladies get this over the line. Kick-off is 2pm at McMullen Park. Tickets available here: Real Bedford Ladies v Luton Town | Real Bedford FC | Running Bitcoin

Sorry to be boring and do yet another Tommy SteeIe folks but 'what a picture, what a picture, what a photograph' of Real Bedford Ladies with the Eastern Region Women's League Premier Division Championship trophy following their exciting 3-2 win over Luton Town Ladies at McMullen Park yesterday afternoon. Luton Town Ladies took an early lead however Zara Carroll equalised on 36 minutes and it was 1-1 at the interval. Zara Carroll scored again on 50 minutes and Gemma Croucher made it 3-1 shortly afterwards however all credit to the visitors who wouldn't go away and they made it 3-2 on the hour mark with Real Bedford Ladies often hanging on to all three points towards the bitter end of the proceedings:

[Rhodes]

On 27/04/2024 at 15:24, Rhodes said:

LondonEagle - You are really clutching at straws aren't you, do you honestly believe that Bedford Town will still get automatic promotion this afternoon. The same goes for Hitchin Town avoiding relegation to Step 4, it will teach Brett Donnelly a stark lesson for leaving Stotfold in the lurch just like Lee Bircham did at Leighton Town, disloyalty and treachery never pays in football and what goes around comes around.

LondonEagle is as quiet as a dormouse isn't he following the inevitable news that Bedford Town will take part in the Southern League Division One Central play-off's, finishing in second place to deserved Champions Biggleswade Town. Lee Bircham's men will meet Ware FC at The Eyrie on Wednesday (1 May) evening with a bank holiday Monday (6 May) Final to come against AFC Dunstable or Waltham Abbey, also at The Eyrie, if they manage to beat Ware FC:

Bedford Town playoff bound despite 4-0 thrashing of North Leigh - Bedford Independent

Edited Monday at 12:56 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Here we go folks, belated highlights from the livestream of a 'niggly' SSML Premier Division Cup Final between Cockfosters and Real Bedford, on Wednesday 24 April, and the 3-1 victory with the trophy presentation afterwards:

[LondonEagle]

I imagine Real Bedford would be very happy with 2nd place at Step 4 next season, with the mighty Hitchin Town in the same division, Berkhampstead and.possibly Bedford Town.

I know you find it impossible to ever say anything positive about BTFC Rhodes, but Bircham and Joycey took over a squad last Summer, well not a squad, as there was only 1 playerr who hadn't moved on.

We also had wettest winter in memory and the drainage in one section of The Eyrie pitch collapsed. And still got play-offs and home advantage, despite everyone chipping away at the club from the outside all season..

Congratulations to Biggleswade Town FC and Real Bedford Ladies, worthy title winners. 

Edited Monday at 14:10 by LondonEagle

[LondonEagle]

Latest projection - JUST A PROJECTION - has Real Bedford in Northern Premier League Div 1 Midlands next season:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j9Xsb52BW6OYS98S4SIM4ueejxbA2I9CHePzrzlqSlk/edit#gid=1411923456

[Rhodes]

13 hours ago, LondonEagle said:

Latest projection - JUST A PROJECTION - has Real Bedford in Northern Premier League Div 1 Midlands next season:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j9Xsb52BW6OYS98S4SIM4ueejxbA2I9CHePzrzlqSlk/edit#gid=1411923456

LondonEagle - Thanks for that, yes, you're right, as you say it's just an unofficial projection but worrying all the same

Northern Premier League One Midlands
				Disclaimer - Unofficial projections
1	AFC Rushden & Diamonds	NN8 2DP	NPM
2	Bedworth United	CV12 8NN	NPM
3	Boldmere St. Michaels	B73 5RY	NPM
4	Coleshill Town	B46 3JJ	NPM
5	Corby Town	NN17 2FB	NPM
6	Coventry Sphinx	CV3 1WA	NPM
7	Harborough Town	LE16 9HF	NPM
8	Hinckley LR	LE10 3DR	NPM
9	Lye Town	DY9 7DH	NPM
10	Quorn	LE12 8RB	NPM
11	Rugby Town	CV21 3SD	NPM
12	Shepshed Dynamo	LE12 9BN	NPM
13	Sporting Khalsa	WV13 3BB	NPM
14	Sutton Coldfield Town	B72 1NL	NPM
15	Walsall Wood	WS9 9NP	NPM
16	Grantham Town	NG31 7XQ	NPE
17	Biggleswade	MK44 3LW	SLC
18	Long Eaton United	NG10 2EF	SPC
19	Loughborough Students	LE11 3QF	UCN
20	Racing Club Warwick	CV34 6JP	UCS
21	Wellingborough Town	NN8 2DP	UCS
22	Real Bedford	MK44 3LW	SMP