The Club will now be focusing its attention on the development of young, local talent rather than relying on more established players travelling into Bedford from further afield. We believe there is a substantial local resource within the Club's immediate catchment area that can be cultivated to forge a team of eager, capable and determined young players, of which the town can be proud.

Nick Platnauer has decided that he feels unable to continue to undertake the role of manager given the new financial constraints and the costs he incurs travelling from his home near Leicester. Assistant Manager, Adam Sandy, has also decided to stand down due to personal commitments, as has Chris Gibbons after a stint of seven seasons as the Club's physiotherapist. The Club's Board wishes to thank all three of them for their hard work, dedication and professionalism over the last season and in the case of Nick and Chris, many previous seasons.

The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee Bearman as first team manager. Lee is a former Eagles player who also played for Watford and Wimbledon, amongst others. He lives locally and has managed Cranfield United for the last two and a half years in the South Midlands First Division. Steve Jackman will be stepping up from his role of first team coach last season to assistant manager and a new physiotherapist is expected to be appointed imminently.

The Club is confident that the new management team will assemble an exciting squad for the 2013/14 season and urge supporters to give them their full backing.'