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Proposed merger between two non league clubs from same town causes a stir

A proposed merger between two non league clubs from the same town causes a stir with fans on social media this week.

Real Bedford FC and Bedford Town FC are in negotiations to become one club, aiming to unify into a single entity to transform local football.

Bedford Town FC, who have an average attendance of 713, currently sit 5th in the Southern League – Premier Central (7th tier), with 40 points from 24 games played and 4 points from league leaders Kettering, who have a number of games in hand.

Real Bedford, who have an average attendance of 307, are top of the Southern League – Central Division (8th tier), with 54 points from 22 games played, and 2 points clear ahead of Berkhamsted.

Real Bedford’s co-owner Peter McCormack will assume the role of chairman of the newly merged club while Jon Taylor and Ben Banks, of Bedford Town, would be non-executive directors.

McCormack, a Bitcoin podcaster, bought Real Bedford, then a 10th-tier club called Bedford FC, in January 2022. He wants to give the town a Premier League club to support.

STATEMENT:

The Directors of Real Bedford FC and Bedford Town FC are excited to announce that discussions are in progress regarding a historic merger that has the potential to transform football in Bedford.

We are engaged in detailed negotiations to unify the two clubs into a single entity. There is considerable work to be done, including navigating necessary governance processes and protocols, details of which will be shared in due course.

As part of the proposed agreement, Peter McCormack would assume the role of Chairman of the newly merged club, with Jon Taylor and Ben Banks continuing as Non-Executive Directors to provide guidance during the transition and drive the club’s future ambitions.

A Vision for Bedford Football

By combining the commercial success and global reach of Real Bedford with Bedford Town’s rich history, loyal fanbase, and infrastructure, this merger creates a powerful club able to compete at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.

Peter McCormack has overseen rapid growth with Real Bedford, including consecutive promotions, innovative commercial strategies, and international awareness as well as the largest investment in a non-league club in history when US billionaires Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss invested £3.6m into the club.

Bedford Town’s proud history, established fanbase, and home at The Eyrie add depth, legacy, and community ties to this partnership. Together, the merged club will focus on achieving professional football status for both men’s and women’s football.

Engaging with Fans

We recognise that supporters of both clubs may have questions about the merger, including topics such as the club’s name, colours, and other important elements. At this stage, no final decisions have been made, and we are committed to ensuring that these decisions are shaped in consultation with both sets of fans.

To facilitate this, we will hold a Fans Forum at Bedford Town Football Club, details of which will be shared shortly. This forum will provide an opportunity to present our vision for the future of football in Bedford and address any questions or concerns from supporters of both clubs.

Statement from Peter McCormack on Behalf of Real Bedford FC

“As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football. We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.

I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success. By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford. I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”

Statement from Jon Taylor on Behalf of Bedford Town FC

“As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community. This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.

I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters. However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”

Neither club will be responding to media inquiries at present.

As mentioned, the proposed merger between the two non league clubs from the same town causes a stir…

@wearelutontown: Jesus. Football is dead.

@SSE_LTFC: This is grim.

@QPRBSJ: I don’t know much about this merger or Real Bedford – but I do know that Bedford Town are run by some very good people from its management to its supporter relations department and I hope this doesn’t affect their employment status at the club.

@RushdenExiles: A thought from a fan of 2 merged clubs – in our case it made logical sense, one of the clubs had the status, one of the clubs had the land necessary for progression. In this case I can’t quite wrap my head around it! Real Bedford need Bedford Town. Bedford Town DO NOT need RB!!

@_danbarnes: Horrible to see this on the table. Don’t let a few people sell your soul Bedford. You haven’t been around for 117 years for this…

@Matt_Furniss: Grim stuff. Labelled as a ‘merger’ but really just buying the history and eliminating the competition. Can’t see many Bedford Town fans supporting this, but not like they have a choice.

@ltfc_t: Should be ashamed of yourselves. Absolutely woeful decision.

@DgGentle: Once again no consideration too the fans, money talks even at this level

@Leland_W_: I’m so sorry to hear this

@Chris_Lilywhite: Past rivalries aside, this is sad news for the loyal supporters of Bedford Town. But don’t give up hope. Cambridge City were nearly merged with United and our ground was sold, many would have walked away (and some did). We formed a Trust, saved the club and now have our own home.

@HatterNorthern: Shameful

@NickPates: Feel sorry for the proper fans of football. Sold your soul for 💰

@ltfckimbo: This is awful. Absolute disgrace if it happens.

@GK1Lob: You don’t need RB, don’t sell out your own supporters

@craighudson10: This is awful news for Bedford Town & football in general, hope the Town fans don’t support this at all!

@moreofaswimmer1: How has this been allowed to happen?

@TCHamm0nd: I hope the Bedford Town fans form a new phoenix club and call it Atletico Bedford.

@StaceySellars4: 117 years for this sell out.

@YoungTowser: Lose a couple of home games and @BedfordTown throw in the towel. Shameful.

@Nelmo3k: Selling out to that lot!? Sending thoughts and prayers to the town fans 🙏

@Groundbopping: What is the point? They are lower in the pyramid, smaller ground, have around 12 fans and no history? No benefits for you at all.

@SteveJ4530: Awful idea …fans of both clubs come last

@Dons_Hamid: What the fuck.

@Gturv: Anybody else recall a certain P McCormack describing Bedford Town as a “shithole club” in a podcast only last season? He’s going to be very welcome.

@callumLtfc: yeah do one. disgusting to see you’ve sold your soul. feel for those die hard fans.

@ConAFC: You should be absolutely ashamed

@glennholdway: Fuck that

@SASEnterprise5: Fuck off absolute disgrace

@jordsthegreat: As a real bedford fan… I don’t want this at all….

@jameshector1987: Absolute fucking disgrace, sold out our Bedford town, absolutely devastated 😡

@DaveStacey47344: That’s a fucking shambles, bollocks to that

@DaveStacey47344: Everybody always said @PeterMcCormack would kill @realbedford eventually. Just assumed it would be the traditional gets bored/fed up of spending money/club can’t cope when he goes and goes bust route rather than this monstrosity of an idea

@DerekJBeaver: Inevitable when all that American money flooded in. Fuck those Crypto Pirate wankers and Solidarity to all the BTFC supporters from the BUFC fan group.

@OffTheLineBlog: I can see the view of “benefitting Bedford” in having just one club, but: I hate this. You’ve got two brilliant clubs that are doing well in their own right. Two lots of fan bases. Two lots of players. What are the pair going to do… bin off 20 players and a manager? 🗳️ NO

@SamWatt111: All of us who donated to the pitch fund will get refunds then? I’ll have my £500 back please.

@Batsphinx: Absolute disgrace

@phazza_white: Let’s not tame this down, Jon Taylor, Ben Banks and Hewitt have sold there souls to Bitcoins, Bedford Town cease trading. RIP Bedford Town, 2025-26 Hello Bitcoin Bedford😂

@tighty: Please no. Heritage matters, fans matter.

@lutonedh: Games gone

@LazellMark: No thank you. Eagles forever. 🦅.

@Rojunixr: Wouldnt even be that bad if it was left as Bedford town and he took them up the leagues, but you just know it’s going to be called Real Bedford Town and their gonna take all that pirate shit with them.

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