A statement has been issued with a much needed update given on the proposed merger with Bedford Town and Real Bedford.
Bedford Town FC have confirmed they will not proceed with a proposed merger with Real Bedford FC this summer.
The club will continue to operate as Bedford Town for the 2025/26 season. The decision follows a request from the FA for a formal decision on the merger by the end of April.
In January, Real Bedford FC and Bedford Town FC were 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 793, currently sit top of the Southern League – Premier Central (7th tier), with 73 points from 39 games played and 3 points ahead of 2nd place Kettering.
Real Bedford, who have an average attendance of 345, are champions of the Southern League – Central Division (8th tier), with 95 points from 37 games played, 11 points ahead of 2nd place Berkhamsted
The plan had been for Real Bedford’s co-owner Peter McCormack to 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 wanted to give the town a Premier League club to support.
Club Update – Real Bedford Merger
Statement from the club regarding start of the season 2025/26 season.
Info ⤵️https://t.co/wBJtv9BLyk
— 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗙𝗖 | 𝗘𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟵𝟬𝟴 (@BedfordTown) April 17, 2025
Club Statement: Proposed Merger with Bedford Town
— Real Bedford FC 🏆 (@realbedford) April 17, 2025
WHAT HAVE BEDFORD TOWN SAID:
Statement from the club regarding the start of the 2025/26 season.
Bedford Town Football Club can confirm we will not be following through with any merger with Real Bedford FC this summer, and will remain as Bedford Town FC for the start of the 2025/26 season.
Both clubs received communication from the Football Association requesting a deadline be met before the end of April to confirm the merger. Unfortunately, this does not give the clubs enough time to complete the necessary governance and agree significant details to finalise the deal in time.
We would like to thank the fans and people of Bedford for their contribution to these discussions over the last few months. The club look forward to finishing this season on the highest possible note.
WHAT HAVE REAL BEDFORD SAID:
Real Bedford can confirm that discussions regarding a potential merger with Bedford Town FC have ended and both clubs will continue to operate independently heading into the 2025/26 season.
Following recent communication from the Football Association, a formal deadline was set for Wednesday 23rd April to conclude merger arrangements. While conversations have been positive, the timeline did not allow enough space to finalise key governance issues and broader details required to complete such a significant move.
We’d like to thank everyone in the Bedford community who contributed to the process with their input, passion, and support. We would also like to express our appreciation to everyone at Bedford Town for their part in the discussions, and we wish them the very best for the remainder of their season.
Proposed merger between two non league clubs from same town causes a stir
Fans have given their reaction on the statement issued with an update given on proposed merger with Bedford Town and Real Bedford…
@fcislocheng: Keep it that way. 2 clubs in the town is fine. The 2 represent different things imo. Enjoy the derbies in a few years when they come around.
@bedfordblue968: Hope both clubs maintain good relations. Was nice during the winter to see the Ladies play on their pitch.
@BedsFootballPod: Gosh
@SASEnterprise5: Wdym Unfortunately this is great and long hope it stays this way
@DaveStacey47344: That’s very fortunate for you Bedford Town
@bedfordblue968: Best of luck in National North or South. I support them over the fence. However i hope you can get the 1,000+ crowds, you probably need each week.
@fcislocheng: Tbh the 2 club outcome is a better one for the town imo. Tasty derbies in prospect down the line. Just think it’s 2 clubs that represent different things.
@skendrick1982: At least this stops people asking what happens to the 2nd placed team in the Southern Premier if (when) Bedford finish top!
@daniel_tortoise: Fake Bedford probably realised they wouldn’t be allowed to jump to the National League structure by taking over Bedford Town – because to be clear, it’s a takeover if it happens and not a merger – so backed out for now. Probably just delays the inevitable though.
@glennholdway: Good. Don’t come back 🦅
@RealBedfordFan: The pirate ship sails onward 🏴☠️
HAVE YOUR SAY
Do you want to see this merge happen one day? Are you pleased or disappointed to see it not done for the 2025/26 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
You can see more of the latest football news HERE.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login