Bedford manager to leave at the end of the season

Bedford Town manager Lee Bircham has handed in his resignation.

He will be in charge of the Eagles' final two games of the season but will then step down.

Bircham took over in May 2023 and took Bedford to the Southern Premier League Central.

There, he won the title last season, gaining promotion to National League North.

Bedford - who drew 2-2 with Hereford on Saturday - are still in the relegation mix, but realistically only need one more win to stay up. 

In a statement, Bedford Town said: "The board of Bedford Town would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Lee for guiding the club through an extraordinary period of progression over the last three years. It was a goal to return to step three when Lee took over, but the progression on the field has been gigantic under his stewardship.

"The club also fully value the contribution Lee has given off the field, developing a special relationship with the supporters, volunteers, officials and partners of the club. It will be of disappointment to many that Lee is departing from the post of Manager at the Eyrie. 

"However, the board accept Lee’s reasons for his resignation and remain motivated on achieving the goals set at the start of the season, together."