Biggleswade FC to ground share with Bedford

Biggleswade FC will be playing their home matches at Bedford Town’s Eyrie ground from next season.

FC confirmed this week that they would not be renewing their ground share agreement with Biggleswade Town, which is due to expire at the end of April.

However, that was quickly followed by the announcement that they would become tenants at Pitching In Southern League Division One Central rivals Bedford in a deal which will see all competitive fixtures played there from July this year.

The agreement for sharing the Eyrie will come in time for the start of the 2021/22 season, and is subject to approval from the Southern League.

Biggleswade are currently in the process of finding a new permanent home, and it is hoped by both clubs that this arrangement will be in place for a limited number of seasons while work is completed on a new ground for FC.

In a statement announcing their departure from Biggleswade Town’s Yvette Brewer Stadium, FC said: “As an aspiring young club with an ethos of providing a platform for local footballers that their community can engage and identify with, playing anywhere other than Biggleswade was not something we ever wanted or envisaged.

“Ideally, we would like to have been able to agree a more cost-effective means to continue our tenure at Langford Road, but unfortunately and in these unprecedented times both parties have been unable to find a solution.”

Club chairman Jeremy Reynolds added: “We are very pleased to be working alongside Bedford Town in this exciting new chapter for us at Biggleswade FC.

“Our commitment to the community of Biggleswade remains as strong as ever and we will continue to play an active and engaging role whilst continuing our journey outside of town for the short-term.

“It is our long-term ambition to deliver a thriving and community-focused facility of our own as soon as the opportunity allows, but until then we are very grateful to Bedford Town for their support and we, along with all our club members, can look forward to using the excellent facilities on offer at The Eyrie when football is cleared to return.”

The partnership with Bedford will mean the Eagles Eagles will continue to have priority on all cup fixtures and midweek games will remain on a Tuesday evening.

FC’s games will take place on a Wednesday for midweek fixtures while the Eyrie will also continue to offer Sunday football, with Bedford Ladies continuing their games at the ground.

These three teams will be the only primary regular users of the Eyrie from now on.

Bedford director Jon Taylor said: “This is an extremely positive news story for both clubs.

“Biggleswade FC are in the process of developing the future of their club and I’m delighted that we are able to help them out.

“In return, the Eyrie will now be hosting a football fixture every Saturday meaning more use of our great facility and more opportunity for supporters of both clubs to enjoy football, should they not wish to travel to away games for either club.”