Smart move as Bedford Town unveil new manager
Bedford Town have unveiled assistant manager Harry Smart as their new first team boss.
Smart will replace Lee Bircham at the helm following his decision to step down at the end of the campaign just finished, which saw the Eagles survive for another season at National League North level.
A UEFA A licensed coach, the 28-year-old has built coaching experience over a decade of work in a variety of settings across professional and youth football and brings with him a tremendous depth of knowledge, energy, and passion for the game.
“I’m eternally grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity to represent them,” he said.
“It’s a big challenge ahead going into next season, especially with how the league’s formatting with the new teams moving into the division.
“I appreciate I am young, but this will be my 11th season working in football and I feel like the time is right.
“I feel really entrusted and I back myself. The players had a big say and they wanted me to be a part of this football club going into next season.”
The club received a high number of strong applications for the position, reflecting both the progress made and the growing reputation of Bedford Town.
Following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, the board unanimously identified Harry as the outstanding candidate to lead the club forward.
A club statement said: “Continuity played a key role in the decision. Harry has already made a significant impact behind the scenes, contributing to the foundations built last season and playing an integral role in shaping the team’s identity.
“His understanding of the club’s philosophy, standards, and long-term ambitions made him a natural fit for the position.
“In his first season at The Eyrie, Harry has fully embraced the Bedford Town culture, building strong relationships across all areas of the club. He has developed a close working connection with the Board of Directors, who are united in their confidence that he is the right person to drive the club toward its goals in the coming season.
“The club is delighted to offer an ambitious young coach the opportunity to help shape the future of Bedford Town Football Club and progress the club forward across multiple aspects of the football disciplines within the club.
“Harry’s values of growing homegrown, local talent coincides with the club’s philosophy, and he will be keen to shape and promote the club’s player development pathway. He will look closely at the bright and articulate Academy players already within the club’s system, many of whom have the potential to make the step up to the first team in the near future.
“The club looks forward to the next chapter under Harry’s leadership.”