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Bedford clubs to face off in long-awaited derby
Real Bedford and Bedford Town will meet for the first time since talks of a merger collapsed last year, with the Bedfordshire County Cup final set for July 24 at The Eyrie.
Background: Merger talks and missed opportunities
Discussions between the two clubs about a potential merger began in January 2025 but failed to materialize, leaving them to compete separately in the 2025-26 season. The upcoming match marks their first on-field encounter since Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack acquired Bedford FC in 2021, rebranding it as Real Bedford and outlining ambitions to establish an English Football League (EFL) club in the town.
County Cup final details
The match, confirmed by the Bedfordshire County Football Association, will take place at Bedford Town's The Eyrie ground on Friday, July 24. While no league points are at stake, the game has been dubbed the 'Battle of Bedfordshire' by Real Bedford on social media, reflecting the heightened local interest.
"It'll be an exciting occasion. It's something everyone in Bedford has wanted to see for some time," said Real Bedford manager Rob Sinclair.
Rob Sinclair, Real Bedford manager
Sinclair noted the unusual timing of the final, which falls during pre-season rather than its traditional post-season slot. He expressed hope that the Friday night scheduling would draw a strong crowd.
Contrasting fortunes and ambitions
Both clubs earned promotion last season but avoided direct competition in the same tier for 2025-26. Real Bedford fell short of reaching the National League North after losing 4-2 to Spalding United in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final. A late penalty decision allowed Spalding to equalize and eventually win in extra time, denying Real a fourth consecutive promotion.
Bedford Town, meanwhile, secured promotion as Southern League Premier Central champions despite financial constraints. The club finished 18th in the National League North this season before manager Lee Bircham departed for Hemel Hempstead Town. His 28-year-old assistant, Harry Smart, who holds a Uefa A licence, was appointed as his successor.
Financial disparities and future plans
Real Bedford's financial backing sets it apart from its local rival. In 2024, Winkelvoss Capital, owned by billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, invested $4.5 million (approximately £3.6 million) in the club, an unprecedented sum for a team then four levels below the EFL.
Sinclair, a former midfielder for Stevenage and Forest Green Rovers, dismissed comparisons to Wrexham's rapid rise, citing differences in fan base and infrastructure. However, he acknowledged the ambition to eventually reach higher leagues.
"Our aim is to keep progressing and moving forward-where that takes us, we'll just have to wait and see. Our focus is not on Bedford Town, it's on what we're doing."
Rob Sinclair
Real Bedford's long-term vision includes relocating from McMullan Park to a new stadium and sports facility at the International Athletics Stadium site on Barkers Lane, pending approval from the borough council. Sinclair described the plans as "incredible," emphasizing the potential benefits for the entire community.
History and rivalry
Bedford Town reached the County Cup final in 2022, losing 5-3 to Leighton Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw. This year's final will avoid the 19-mile trip to Luton Town's Kenilworth Road, a decision Sinclair supported, believing the local venue would attract a larger crowd.
While Sinclair expressed respect for Bedford Town, having played for the club and grown up watching them, he downplayed the rivalry, framing it as a fan-driven dynamic rather than a managerial focus.
Looking ahead
Real Bedford's immediate goal is to secure promotion to step two of the non-league pyramid, with just two more promotions needed to reach the EFL. The County Cup final offers a chance to gain an early edge over their local rivals before the new season begins.
