Biggleswade Football Club Official Brochure 2023 - 2024

WELCOME S

ituated in Bedfordshire, Biggleswade FC is a relatively young club and we have already made huge strides in the footballing world. Since our formation in 2016, Biggleswade FC have won two promotions in the National League System, rising to our current position in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central - the eighth tier of the English game.

Sin

Whether you have been to see us before have never watched Biggleswade FC, we would love to welcome you to a home match in the near future. You are always guaranteed a warm welcome from everyone at our family-friendly football club.

ormation in

C e our F

2016, Biggle Swade FC have won two promotion S in the n ational l eague Sy S tem

Biggleswade FC was formed in m ay 2016 from the very successful Biggleswade town u nder 18s side that competed in the t hurlow n unn youth l eague.

2014/15 season

Town’s Under 18s lost just one league game all season as they romped to the Northern Division title.

The young Waders, along with all the other area divisional league champions in the Thurlow Nunn Youth Leagues, entered a knockout competition called the Champions Trophy.

After defeating Brightlingsea in the Semis, they won a thrilling Final beating Woodbridge Town 4-2 after extra time with goals coming from Keinan Davis, Lee Northfield, Zac Tyrrell

and George Bailey. Keinan would later secure a five-year professional contract with Aston Villa – a magnificent achievement for both himself and the Under 18s side.

2015/16 season

After league changes, the Waders were placed in the Cambridge Division, which provided a number of different opponents to the previous season.

Two defeats by Ely City and Godmanchester Rovers early in the campaign were not enough to stop them taking the league title once more. The feat being achieved with a solid victory against Royston Town in the final match of the season.

aF ter a ground S hare agreement wa S put in plaC e with Biggle Swade town at their Fanta S ti C FaC ility on l ang F ord r oad - Biggle Swade FC wa S B orn.

v ictory away to the n orthern Champions Kings Lynn set up the chance to retain the Champions t rophy. Waiting in the final were Sudbury town Academy, whose side contained many ex-Ipswich town and Colchester United Academy players.

Although the first half was a tight affair, Sudbury took a half time lead. the second half though was a totally different matter as the Biggleswade youngsters took total control. Goals from Rhys thorpe, George Bailey and George Riley ensured that the young Waders emphatically retained their trophy and title as Champions of East Anglia. the team also entered the FA youth Cup that season, where they progressed through four ties to reach the Second

Round Proper before going down to Worthing in a seven-goal thriller. the competition was eventually won by Chelsea FC. At the end of that season, with no further pathway at Biggleswade town available, the decision was taken to form a new club. After a ground share agreement was put in place with Biggleswade town at their fantastic facility on Langford Road - Biggleswade FC was born.

t he Club applied to enter the Spartan South m idlands Football League Division One at Step 6 of the n on-League System. After two meetings and a successful appeal with t he FA at Wembley, on 7th June 2016, Biggleswade FC were awarded their place at Step 6.

2016/17 season

In their very first season in senior football, Biggleswade FC’s squad of young, talented players won the SSmFL Division One title.

2016/17

HISTORY

They finished with 99 points, six clear of Harpenden Town in second place and were duly promoted to the Premier Division - totally vindicating the decision to start off at Step 6 football.

Some of the performances were breathtaking and the 8-1 destruction of highflying Langford at Christmas and the 4-2 away win at previously unbeaten Baldock Town were both particular highlights.

Others saw the team fighting to the very last minute to secure vital wins, such as the matches at Risborough Rangers and Hillingdon Borough. One of the defining moments of the season was the titanic home game against Baldock. After

leading early on, FC went behind in the second half and were seconds away from losing the league leadership. However, a last-minute penalty got it back to 3-3 in front of a large crowd that exploded with excitement, shattered our opponents and effectively secured us promotion and subsequently the title.

Some o F the per Forman C e S were Breathtaking and the 8-1 de S tru C tion o F high-F lying l ang Ford

Biggleswade Football club

1st Team - 2017/18

HISTORY

As well as the successes in the league, the Club also had a thrilling FA Vase run. There was another last-minute winner against Essex Senior League Takeley and then the extraordinary “see-saw” game down in London as FC beat Essex Olympian League Canning Town 5-4 after extra time.

The toughest possible draw came in the Second Round Proper where FC were handed an away draw at Peterborough Sports (now of the National League North), who were current leaders and eventual comfortable winners of the United Counties League Premier Division. In going down 5-3, FC made a huge impression on their high-flying opponents and they were glowing in their praise of the football the club played.

On and off the field, Biggleswade FC won a lot of friends over their first season in senior football. Crowds increased and the club set out to cultivate links with the local community. There were match day mascots from Biggleswade Academy and Biggleswade Town Under 7s, whilst the club’s badge was designed by a local 12-year old school girl for whom there was a special presentation on FC’s ‘Launch Day’ back in October 2016.

2017/18 season

The Club’s second full season in senior football, will probably be remembered for exploits in the FA Vase. Victories over Northampton Sileby Rangers (5-3), Basildon United (20), Crawley Green (2-0) and eventual SSML Premier Division

HISTORY

champions Welwyn Garden City (2-1 after extra time) saw FC reach the last 32.

FC were drawn against Hellenic League highflyers Thatcham Town, who were in the middle of an incredible 41-match unbeaten run that would take them to a league title and FA Vase double. We had our chances on the day and with a bit more luck might have progressed, but it wasn’t to be as we went down 2-1. The fact everyone was deeply disappointed and that we lost to the eventual winners speaks volumes for the ambition at Biggleswade FC.

It was a case of an opportunity missed not lifting the League Challenge Trophy. Broadfields United (who again went on to win it) played FC in the Semi-Final at possibly the best time when we

had suspensions and were in the middle of a poor run. Broadfields would go on to beat Risborough in the Final after leaving Langford Road with a 2-1 win.

The league campaign on the whole was a successful one,

inconsistency and dropping points against sides in the bottom half of the table saw them fall away in the final couple of months.

Our first venture into the FA Cup ended with a 4-1 home defeat to Wisbech Town, but again we could point to the fact that it had taken a team who went on to get promotion to stop us in our tracks.

finishing in 5th place in our first season at the ninth tier of English Football. Six wins and a draw from the opening seven games - including a 7-2 rout at Holmer Green - had FC setting the pace early on, but ultimately

Other notable moments in the season were taking our landlords Biggleswade Town to penalties in the Beds Senior Cup Semi-Final, whilst also beating eighth tier AFC Dunstable 5-3 in one of our best performances in an earlier round. We also claimed four points from two meetings with local rivals Biggleswade United, which both attracted healthy three-figure crowds.

i t waS a C aS e o F an opportunity

mi SS ed not li F ting the l eague Challenge t rophy.

HISTORY

A new Reserve side was formed and they enjoyed a solid first season in the Bedfordshire County League finishing just below mid-table in Division One. After a difficult start in which many of the squad were making their first steps into senior football, Phil’s side finished the season strongly picking up 20 points from a possible 33.

Another pleasing aspect of the season was that by the end, there were a number of players on the fringes of the first team squad. George Holman in particular didn’t look out of place when called upon and announced himself with a wonder goal at Stotfold.

2018/19 season

In 2018/19, the club really announced itself on the local and national stage. For the second time in three seasons,

FC were league champions - this time clinching the SSML’s Premier Division title by six points after a four-way tussle with Tring Athletic, Hadley and Biggleswade United for much of the season.

They made it a league and cup treble lifting the Premier Division Cup with a 2-0 win over Baldock Town in front of over 300 spectators and in excess of 200 turned out to see FC lift the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time with a 5-1 demolition of Ampthill Town at Bedford FC.

They also captured the imagination of the local community with crowds in excess of 500 at home to both Stowmarket Town and Windsor in the FA Vase. The fairytale didn’t quite go as far as Wembley, but a memorable day out saw three coaches travel to Faversham and in excess of 600 witnessed FC go down 2-1 to an experienced Canterbury City side at the Quarter-Final stage.

i n 2018/19, the C lu B really announ C ed it S el F on the lo C al and national S tage. For the S e C ond time in three S ea S on S , FC were league

C hampion S - thi S time C lin C hing the SS ml’ S p remier

d ivi S ion title By S ix point S .

not to be outdone, our promising young Reserve side claimed a Beds County League Division One and Centenary Cup double going unbeaten in all competitions over 23 matches, a run that stretched back to november. Although the club is very much in its infancy, Saturday 20th April 2019 will go down as a special day in our history as both teams clinched their respective league titles on a baking hot afternoon, celebrated together at Stotfold’s Roker Park before the party went on long into the night.

2019/20 season – the season that never was!

the 2019/20 season saw the club rub shoulders with some illustrious nonleague opponents in the Southern Football League for the first time. With much optimism going into the start of the campaign, FC had a rude awakening as they were comprehensively beaten by AFC Dunstable and Welwyn Garden City early on.

Whilst they struggled to find their feet at Step 4 early on, they were having their best run in the Emirates FA Cup to date. After a comfortable 4-1 win over mildenhall town in the Extra Preliminary Round, FC dispatched fellow Southern Leaguers yaxley 4-0 in the next.

Isthmian League north outfit tilbury were the next up and it looked like FC’s interest in the competition might be in jeopardy as the Dockers took a shock first half lead despite being reduced to 10-men. Alex marsh levelled from the spot after the break and just when it looked like we’d be heading round the m25 for a midweek replay, Ryan Inskip snatched victory for FC in injury time. FA vase holders Chertsey town finally ended our best FA Cup run to date with a professional performance at Langford Road,

HISTORY

but despite defeat FC had had their best crowd of the season (272) and earned over £10,000 in prize money for their exploits.

FC continued to struggle in picking up points in the Southern League despite some better performances as the run towards Christmas went on, but a weather-enforced winter break in December allowed us to nurse some key personnel back to fitness.

This would coincide with a completely different Biggleswade FC postChristmas starting with an important 4-2 victory over fellow strugglers Kempston Rovers. The boys in green didn’t look back from then and accumulated an incredible 28 points from a

possible 36 to elevate them from a bottom half side to play-off contenders in a matter of three months! The pandemic then took hold and unfortunately for us our charge was brought to a premature halt.

2020/21 season – the season that never really got going!

The last campaign, if you can even call it that, was one of frustration, uncertainty and difficulty. We only managed to play seven league games in a severely COVID-disrupted spell. Injuries once again took their toll on our ability to be competitive and this led to five straight defeats after an opening day victory over AFC Dunstable.

HISTORY

Just before the season was brought to what would turn out to be another premature curtailment, FC had turned in one of their best performances as they came from behind early on to snatch an injury-time lead at home to early pacesetters Aylesbury United. A lastgasp abandonment threatened to derail all that effort, but FC were eventually and deservedly awarded the victory – although it would prove academic anyway. Despite their struggles in the league, FC once again reached the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup going down on penalties following a epic battle at

Canvey Island. Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip’s men saw off former giant-killers Histon and Ely City en route to their exit at Canvey, whom would go on to reach the Second Round Proper before finally falling to National League Boreham Wood in front of the BT Sport cameras.

In February 2021, the club announced that they would be bringing their time at Langford Road to a close after failing to reach an agreement on an extension with Biggleswade Town. As a result, FC agreed a groundshare with Bedford Town at The Eyrie for at least the next two seasons, as they look to push on with long-term plans for some facilities of their own back in Biggleswade.

2021/22 season – it was great to be back!

After two COVID-disrupted campaigns, it felt good to finally complete a full season – our first at Southern Football League level. It would turn out to be the proverbial season of two halves for us as we endured

another difficult start down in part to injuries and player unavailability.

After a disappointing 3-0 home defeat on the opening day to eventual runners-up Berkhamsted, FC got their season up and running with impressive victories at thame United and eventual United Counties League South champions Harborough town in the Emirates FA Cup. this would prove a false dawn though as FC limped out of the FA Cup in the next round at home to AFC Dunstable – part of a slump of six successive defeats. However, the return of all-time leading goal scorer Alex marsh from Hitchin town gave everyone a much-needed lift and the tide would soon turn.

Having lost 10 of their opening 16 league games, FC once again found themselves nervously looking over their shoulder at the wrong end of the table. Despite cup exits to yaxley and St neots in the FA trophy and League Cup respectively, there were positive signs as league wins over

Welwyn Garden City, Didcot town and Barton Rovers saw us slowly edge away from danger. After going down 2-0 at Berkhamsted in november, FC went on their best Southern League run to date going 12 matches unbeaten which included impressive wins over Ware, FC Romania, Aylesbury United and Harlow town as well as a lastgasp draw with landlords Bedford town in front of a club record home crowd of 670 over Christmas.

Home defeats to AFC Dunstable and play-off winners north Leigh derailed any hopes of a late play-off charge of our own, but four defeats from our last 22 league games saw us transformed from our early season struggles and finishing the season in a creditable ninth place – a point behind Harlow in seventh. 2022/23 season – the play-off charge!

their best-ever season in the Pitching

In Southern League. Having enjoyed a better start than in previous seasons, Dave northfield and mark Inskip’s men had climbed to the heady heights of second in the table and reached the Final of the prestigious Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup. t he club continue to make incredible progress both on and off the field and even with our fanbase growing year-on-year, we would love more of our community to be part of it and get behind what we are doing. your support is always hugely appreciated.

the C lu B C ontinue to make in C redi B le progre SS on and o FF the F ield.

At the time of going to print (February 2023), Biggleswade FC were enjoying

F IRST T EAM

our first team currently play in the pitching in Southern league division one Central, which pits them against clubs from a number of counties including hertfordshire, oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

t he first team don the club colours, an all-green strip for home matches.

Since day one, the team have been managed by co-Founder Dave northfield and mark Inskip. the duo have now overseen in excess of 250 games at the helm. they are aided by backroom staff James Petty (Head Coach), Amy Radford (Sports therapist), Conor Darrington (Goalkeeping Coach) and Wayne Roberts (Kitman and all-round good egg!).

h onour S :

> Spartan South m idlands League Division

One Champions: 2016/17

> Spartan South m idlands League Premier

Division Champions: 2018/19

> SS m L Premier Division (Dudley Latham m emorial)

Cup Winners: 2018/19

> n orth Beds Charity Cup Winners: 2018/19

“The Pub with No Bar”

We are a unique ale and dining pub close to the A1M at the Biggleswade North turn.

We also have a traditional games room with a rare Northamptonshire skittles table.

This is available for casual use or can be booked to cater for fun nights with family, friends or work nights out.

Now with 3 en-suite rooms in the cottages next door

R ESERv ES

our reserves play in the Bedfordshire County Football league premier division and are the current reigning champions having won the title on a dramatic final day last season.

Since the team’s inception in 2017, Phil Smailes’ youngsters have won no fewer than five trophies - including two league and cup doubles. The team is a very important part of our club - helping to bridge the gap between youth and senior football.

Our Reserve Team currently play their home matches at the Upper Caldecote Pavilion in Harvey Close near Biggleswade.

h onour S :

> Bedfordshire County League

Division One Champions: 2018/19

> Bedfordshire County League

Centenary Cup Winners: 2018/19

> Bedfordshire County League

Supplementary Cup ‘A’ Winners: 2020/21

> Bedfordshire County League

Premier Division Champions: 2021/22

> Bedfordshire County League

Britannia Cup Winners: 2021/22

YO u TH

it was a brief chat between matt Burgess and dave northfield in may 2021 that led to the inception of Biggleswade FC youth, after dave spoke of his passion for local football and especially home-grown players. youth teams had been something he wanted to be part of the overall club for some time.

Officially started on 1st June 2021, the first season was a huge success, after a massive effort by its founding members and the club’s committee. This collaboration was key to getting things off the ground and a generous ‘start up’ allowance from club sponsor, HBC Logistics certainly helped in the first month.

change in circumstances for an older local team meant we were able to add a new under 18s and the three teams went on to represent the club in the 2021/22 season. Being committee run, roles were split between managers and secretaries and this worked very well as the members began to secure sponsorship and grants to enable the youth to be financially independent.

Starting with just two teams was the initial intent, but a

Credit must go to certain individuals, namely Karen Burgess for her work as the club’s first Child Welfare officer as well as being youth secretary, also to Paul Darlow for some sizable sponsorship deals and for becoming the kit representative, at the same time running his new Under 11s.

YO u TH

Matt Burgess dealt with grants to secure equipment and much needed floodlights for winter training, as well as his role as new Under 18s Head coach. Later Noel Sritharan joined the club as the team’s assistant. Jimmy Norris, as well as his role as coach/secretary for our under 11s, also played a vital role in IT support with signing on forms and team apps and James Taylor agreed to be Under 9s coach, saving the team from folding with the assistance of Dean Small. Ably assisted by team secretaries and coaching assistants, we now had the stability needed to run our teams affordably, ethically and responsibly.

As a result, all three teams thrived in their first season. The under 9s added new members and improved immeasurably throughout the season and the under 11s were moved up to a higher age group to increase the

challenge, such was their progress. The under 18s also saw success, finishing runner-up in their division, as well as reaching the league cup final, after knocking out two opponents from the division above.

You can also follow Biggleswade FC Youth on social media: @BiggleswadeFCY1 @biggleswadefcyouth

Or contact Head of Youth Matt Burgess on 07809 604541 for further details about our Youth section.

The 2022/23 season saw the Youth setup expand to eight teams with the introduction of three new u7 teams, an under 8s and an under 11s. Plans are already in the offing for further new teams for 2023/24, so there has never been a better time to join a youth and thriving club!

T HE F u T u RE

o ur young C lu B haS enjoyed a meteori C ri S e S in C e Forming in 2016. aF ter dominating youth Foot Ball at under-18 level under the Biggle Swade town youth Banner, Biggle Swade FC waS B orn.

Since becoming a senior football club in our own right, we have won two league championships, two cup competitions and reached the quarter-final of the prestigious FA vase as well as our Reserve team winning five trophies too. Since 2021, we have had a fledging youth setup which continues to thrive and expand at a vast rate.

With these successes come bigger challenges on and off the field. Whilst our club is still very much in its infancy, we have ambitious plans to continue to develop the infrastructure at the club and a vital part of our long-term future is finding a sporting facility of our own.

n aturally, we want local organisations to be part of our journey and we have aspirations of building them in to our club on a strategic level, allowing any partner to benefit from our expanding audience.

If you are interested in partnering with Biggleswade FC, please contact our Commercial m anager Paul Ison on 07725 069170 or email BiggleswadeFC.Commercial@hotmail.com.

we have am B itiou S plan S to Continue to develop the in F raS tru C ture at the C lu B and a vital part o F our long-term F uture i S F inding a S porting FaC ility o F our own.

60 Shortmead Street, Biggleswade, SG18 0AP

07932277940

info@abkpro.co.uk

Monday 9:30 - 19:30

Tuesday - Friday 9 - 15:00

Weekends by appointment only

www.abkpro.co.uk

O ering the latest and best quality aesthetic treatments in a safe environment.

I have been trained to an advanced level qualification by medics and continue to expand my knowledge by currently studying for my Masters degree in Aesthetics.

I work exclusively with several Nurse Prescribers to ensure my clients health and safety is at the forefront of every treatment. I am fully insured and only use FDA and CE approved products.

Aesthetics by Kelly offers a wide range of bespoke skin care treatments along with Anti wrinkle treatments, Dermal Fillers, Skin Booster treatments, Fat dissolving injections and Vitamin injections.

T HE F u T u RE

S pon S oring / S upporting B iggle Swade FC

Biggleswade FC have been extremely fortunate to work with some fantastic local sponsors whose outstanding backing has allowed us to reach heights we didn’t think were possible when forming in 2016.

We are always looking to partner with as many local organisations as possible though and in recent months we have been working with S n AP Sponsorship on a dedicated online platform that allows prospective sponsors to view a list of available opportunities and the benefits that we can offer in return.

v i S it our S nap Spon S or S hip pro F ile on our we BS ite, where you C an view and S e C ure the Following opportunitie S:

> m atchday and match ball sponsorships for all league and cup games

> Sponsor a player of your choice for the season

> Full, half and quarter page advertising in our brand-new matchday programme

> Kit and clubwear sponsorship opportunities

> Subsidised coach travel to away matches for players and supporters

to proceed with your chosen sponsorship opportunity, all you need to do is register your details on our S n AP Sponsorship profile page, pick out the opportunities that you wish to discuss and then we’ll progress this with you directly.

BiggleSwade FC have Been extremely Fortunate to work with Some FantaStiC loCal SponSorS.

Biggleswade

FC 1st Team - 2022/23

vOL un TEERI n G

Biggle Swade FC would like to hear F rom anyone who i S intere S ted in volunteering with the C lu B .

We have an exciting group of local players and a large and enthusiastic committee, which puts in a great amount of time before and during match days. However, we are always striving to improve and if you feel you have expertise in a particular area or simply just want to be part of a footballing family, please get in touch.

Our young and vibrant club has made incredible strides since its formation in 2016. We have had two promotions and now find ourselves playing in t he Pitching In Southern Football League Division One Central (8th tier of English football). t his season, our first team are ground-sharing at Bedford town FC, whilst our Bedfordshire County League Premier Division and Britannia Cup double-winning reserve team play at Caldecote Playing Fields.

We are very keen as a club to grow our awareness within the local community and hope that if you haven’t been down to see us play yet, that you will visit us at t he Eyrie very soon.

n ew supporters, families and youngsters are especially welcome!

ContaC t u S at Biggleswadefc@outlook.com for more details regarding volunteering opportunities or approach one of our friendly committee members on match days.

INSURANCE ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Personal – friendly local service located just outside Buntingford

No charges – we don’t charge admin fees or for payments made by Direct Debit

Reward – we reward our loyal customers through a Mutual Bonus which provides a saving on the renewal premium of your General Insurance policy

To discuss in more detail, call your local NFU Mutual Hertford & North Herts agency on 01920 469173 or search NFU Mutual Hertford & North Herts

B IGGLESWADE FC LOTTO

we would like all members of the club as well as all our friends and supporters to subscribe to our lotto scheme which started in September 2018, helping us to raise the funds needed to assist with the running of your local football club.

The club has already made great strides since its inception – reaching the eighth tier of English Football - and we are now looking to raise further funds to help us to provide and maintain football at this level, with the objective of reaching even higher levels in the future and this cannot happen without your support.

When you join “Biggleswade FC Lotto”, you will be allocated a “Lotto Number”, which will be yours for the duration of the time you are a member of the draw. There will be a monthly prize draw as well as an “Annual Super Prize Draw” to be drawn in December of each year.

The draws will involve an independent draw master randomly drawing numbers to pay out cash prizes. This will be undertaken at a designated home match each month, which will be detailed on the club website and social media channels.

B IGGLESWADE FC LOTTO

Entry into the draw is only £5.00 per month, which equates to just over £1 a week. This relatively small contribution can make a big difference to your local club and also give you a chance of winning a cash prize for your valued efforts!

Prize amounts will be decided based on the number of entries to the draw, but the monthly payout will be a guaranteed percentage of the total lottery fund (20% for first prize, 10% for second prize and 5% for third prize).

For 100 mem B er S the monthly prize S would B e:

> First Prize - £100.00*

> Runner up - £50.00*

> Third prize - £25.00*

For the a nnual Super p rize d raw prize S will B e at leaS t dou B led:

> First Prize - £200.00*

> Runner Up - £100.00*

> Third Prize - £50.00*

* above prize totals for indication purposes only

entry into the draw iS only £5.00 per month

B IGGLESWADE FC LOTTO

To make collection simple we would ask that you set up a standing order online (if you have internet banking facilities). Please email us for our bank details at BiggleswadeFC@ outlook.com and then set up a monthly standing order for £5 (one ball), £10 (two balls) etc. If you don’t have internet banking facilities, you would need to complete a standing order form (again available from us via email) and return it to your bank for processing.

You can also pay by cash or cheque, but there is a minimum payment of £60.00 for twelve months at a time for this option.

On completion of your subscription using one of the

above methods, we would ask that you email the club with the following information: your name, mobile number and email address so we can notify you that your first payment has arrived successfully, the number of your Lotto Ball(s) in the draw and also to tell you when you’ve won any cash prizes.

All winners will be notified by email (or text if preferred) and a list of all winners will be posted on the website following each draw.

Getting involved in the Lotto is a great way of supporting your local football club and, equally, giving yourself the chance to win cash prizes!

HOW TO FI n D & CO n TACT u S

Biggleswade FC

c/o Bedford town FC, the eyrie m eadow l ane, Cardington Bedford, Bedfordshire mk 44 3 lw

From the a 1:

Take the A603 from Sandy to Bedford. Go through Moggerhanger and Willington. The Eyrie is 1 1/2 miles on the right-hand side, signposted Meadow Lane (immediately after the HGV/truck stop layby). If you reach the A421, you have gone too far.

From the m 1:

Exit at junction 13 of the M1 and take the A421 towards Bedford. Exit at the A603 junction (signposted Sandy, Bedford) and at the roundabout take the fourth exit heading towards Sandy A603. After 1/2 mile, The Eyrie is on the left-hand side signposted Meadow Lane (immediately before the HGV/truck stop layby).

By p ublic t ransport:

If you would rather leave the car at home, the ground is located around 4 miles from Bedford Train Station. The bus station (Bay F) is half a mile walk from the train station. If you get the 73 Bus from there,

it will stop on Meadow Lane right outside The Eyrie on its route to Biggleswade.

Likewise if you are coming from Biggleswade Bus Station, take the 73 Bus from bay/stop A in Market Place, SG18 8UU (5-minute walk from train station) and again it will stop at Meadow Lane on its route to Bedford Bus Station. Here is a link to the full timetable. The journey from Biggleswade Bus Station to Meadow Lane is around 45 minutes and approx. 13 minutes from Bedford Bus Station.