It’s the stuff that dreams are made of. Having secured their Step 3 return via the play-offs at the end of last season, Bedford Town have gone on to achieve a second successive promotion, but not only that, they’ve done it as Pitching In Southern League Premier Central champions.
In an extremely competitive division where the top spot exchanged hands on numerous occasions, Lee Bircham’s side ended the campaign with 25 wins from their 42 League games to finish with 82 points, five points clear of Kettering Town.
The title was secured thanks to a 2-0 victory over an in-form Stourbridge on Saturday as Ryan Blake and Jack Davies got the goals.
The popular Blake has played a pivotal role in both of the promotion successes, establishing a regular place in the team and enjoying a new lease of life.
“When I first arrived at the club it had just suffered relegation and the team had to be rebuilt,” he told us. “It was at a pretty low-ebb, and we had our struggles in those early days, but the Gaffer brought together a group of players that went on to secure promotion at the first attempt.
“A few changes were necessary over the summer in preparation for life back at this level, but credit to the Gaffer for assembling another promotion-winning squad that has been able to cope with the extra demands that this level has brought.
“For me personally it has been a really successful couple of years. It’s amazing that the most successful period in my career has come at the latter stages and hopefully there will be more of these special moments still to come because I am thoroughly enjoying the journey!
“To see what we have achieved makes me immensely proud. Going into this season we expected it to be tough; you only have to look at the big clubs that are involved, but we approached it with determination and belief in our own ability.
“Hearing that final whistle on Saturday to confirm we were champions is something that I will never forget and it’s an occasion that will live long in the memory of everyone who was part of it as we etched ourselves into the history of this fantastic club.
“It’s hard to pick a single defining moment, but what stands out most is the resilience of the team. No matter what came our way—whether it was tough losses or challenges behind-the-scenes—we always found a way to come together and deliver on the pitch. That final loss to Royston in February felt like a turning point; from then on, everything just clicked and we went on an incredible run.
“If you would have asked anyone at the start of the season, our goal was simply to stay in the league. But thanks to the club’s ability to keep its core group intact, along with a few key additions that the Gaffer brought in, we were able to compete at the right end all season. And, of course, having someone like Leon Lobjoit in our team has been invaluable—he’s saved us on countless occasions throughout the year, what a front-man he is!
“It’s been a very competitive league, where anyone can beat anyone. With teams like Kettering and AFC Telford in the mix—clubs that everyone expected to dominate—it makes our underdog season all the more impressive. When you consider how Biggleswade Town, who narrowly beat us to the title last season, have struggled at this level, it just goes to highlight exactly how tough this League is.
“We will savour this moment and enjoy it. Like I told the boys, for many of us—especially the older ones—this feeling might not come around again, so we’ll soak it all in, enjoy our summer break, and see how the rest of the football landscape unfolds.”
Another member of the team who has played his part in both promotions is Lewis Green and he was quick to praise the efforts of Ryan Blake in particular.
“Going back-to-back is an unreal achievement for the club,” he said. “The likes of Blakey, Leon and Mensah have been there with me every step of the way, but especially Blakey because he’s played every game over these past two seasons. What a top bloke he is and a great player.
“I joined the club following a trial day; I’d never played non-League before so to now sit here with two promotions is unbelievable.
“If we’re being totally honest, I don’t think any of us expected to be in this position when we began the season. Saturday was such an emotional day as all of our hard work came to a positive conclusion. All of the highs and lows along with the blood, sweat and tears. It was a nerve-wracking day because anything can happen, but we managed to get the job done and it was such a relief at the end – I enjoyed every minute of it!
“Strange as it seems, but the defining moment in all of this came when we lost 6-2 at AFC Telford United. That defeat really brought us all together as a group and it sparked a run where we lost only one more game in our next 14 outings.
“It’s been a mental season, though. I missed most of pre-season with a broken finger but then got thrown straight back in for our game at Halesowen Town after about four months out, so that was interesting!
“I remember when I re-signed for the club ahead of this season, the Gaffer said that his target was to finish fifth from bottom and make sure that we survived at this level. No-one even mentioned the top half of the table, let alone pushing for the play-offs or the title.
“Keeping a solid core of players together certainly helped and then we’ve added around that as the season has gone on. We’re a team of interesting characters and that’s why we do well!
“It’s been said many times how tough this League is, some of the clubs in it have big fan bases and big budgets, but you have to embrace that and enjoy the challenge that it brings. With everyone taking points from each other and the lead changing hands so many times, it made this one of the more interesting Leagues to follow.
“The fact that we’re moving up into The National Leagues hasn’t really sunk in yet. Whether it’s in the North or South, we’ll take stock a few weeks down the line, but for now we’ll celebrate our achievement and also enjoy having a break from the Gaffer’s running!”
The Southern League congratulates everyone at the club on their fantastic achievement.
IMAGE: Bedford Town FC
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