Chairman and co-owner of Real Bedford, Peter McCormack has today (16 August) called on Bedford’s football fans to support the, “the long-term vision we have for Bedford” ahead of the club’s first game in the Women’s National League.
Attendances at McMullen Park – since renamed to the Ledger Stadium – steadily increased over the course of last season as both Real Bedford Men’s and Ladies worked their way towards their respective league titles.
McCormack has now called on local fans to help sustain and increase that support ahead of the new league season this weekend as Real open their Women’s National League Division One South East campaign against Ashford Town (Middlesex) this Sunday 18 August.
The Men are also in action on Saturday (17 August) as they host Welwyn Garden City in Southern League Central Division One.
“Many laughed, and it was understandable”
“As the chairman of Real Football Club, I am writing to you today with an appeal for your support – not just for this season, but for the long-term vision we have for Bedford”, wrote McCormack in an open letter posted to his personal Facebook and ‘X’ accounts.
“Two years ago, we took on the enormous challenge of transforming Bedford’s football trajectory.
“The goal was ambitious, perhaps even audacious. To see our little town’s club rise to the heights of the Premier League.
“Many laughed, and it was understandable. With just 40 fans, a modest stadium, and nine promotions to achieve, it seemed impossible.
“But here we are, having secured back-to-back promotions, winning a cup each year, and making history with the largest investment ever in a non-league football club.
“Now, with US billionaire co-owners, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, by our side, we share the same burning ambition: Premier League football.”
Read: Real Bedford announce $4.5m investment from Gemini’s Winklevoss twins
McCormack and Real Bedford have now received that investment, paid entirely in Bitcoin into the club’s treasury, and alongside an additional £500,000 front of shirt sponsorship from Gemini, the Pirates possess a budget that is way beyond the usual for an eighth-tier football club.
Such is the nature of football and its tribalism, many in the world of non-league may be expecting another pair of league titles to land on Real’s doorstep, but McCormack and his team know they will need to be at their best to win more promotions this season.
Norwich and QPR await
“Rapid progress comes with its challenges, from building the necessary infrastructure to managing the increased costs. Yet, despite these hurdles, we have managed to move forward without losing money.
To continue this success, we need your support more than ever.
“When we started, our matches were attended by just 40 fans. Today, our average attendance has grown to 260, with a record crowd of over 1,000. Our women’s team has also seen significant growth, averaging over 100 attendees last year.”
The Women’s Super League is also on the mind of McCormack, citing that the Women’s side need four more promotions to reach the dizzy heights of the WSL and with big name clubs like QPR and Norwich to visit this season, that vision only gets bigger.
“Like the Men’s team, our women’s side has had a phenomenal start, achieving a league and cup treble in their debut season.
“This year, we are proud to say they will be competing in the national league, with clubs like Norwich and QPR coming to Bedford.”
Charlie Bill’s competitive tenure as manager of Real Bedford Ladies begins this Sunday as they host Ashford Town (Middlesex) while the Men take on Welwyn Garden City at 3pm on Saturday. Both games are at the Ledger Stadium, home of Real Bedford.
Tickets for all of Real Bedford’s home fixtures can be bought here.
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