It is with mixed emotions that we announce the transfer of Ollie Swain to Hemel Hempstead Town: sad to see Ollie go, but happy for him for playing at a higher level.
In total, Ollie played 59 games for Bedford, bagging one goal (The winner against Ashford Town (Middx).
Manager, Jon Taylor, said,”I feel this transfer is an indication that the Eagles are heading in the right direction, as Ollie has been chosen to play for a team in the Vanarama National South.
He has all the right credentials to become a Football League player, and anybody giving him the opportunity will be richly rewarded.
While here at the Eyrie, Ollie has worked his socks off and fully deserved the chance to prove his worth, and has gained valuable experience here at Bedford Town FC.
Playing at step 4 in the Non League pyramid, he has propelled himself into the proverbial shop window with his performances, in both this and last season. There were some League and National sides keeping a watch on him during the close season, hence his trial at Dagenham & Redbridge in July this year, and this helped put him on the radar.
I first saw Ollie playing U18 football, and saw his potential and capabilities. He was a bit of a rough diamond, but he has slowly polished his footballing skills, and I am hopeful that he will settle very quickly at Hemel Hempstead.
I admire Ollie’s determination, and hope that the message can get through to our younger and youth players that hard work on and off the field could one day help tremendously with their own careers.
Ollie has been a great servant to Bedford Town FC, and has been a real club person at his time at the Eyrie, and I’m sure that he will do well at Hemel.
He has improved every season, and deserves a chance to play at a higher level, and I am proud that we have had a good young player come through our system.
Ollie goes with our blessing, and from everyone involved at Bedford Town FC we wish him the best of luck at Hemel Hempstead FC.”