Bedford Town Football Club have paid tribute to club stalwart, Mike John after the former Chairman passed away last Thursday (20 November), calling him “a part of the fabric” at The Eyrie.
Players will wear black armbands in today’s National League North game against Darlington at The Eyrie (Saturday, 29 November), and there will be a minute’s silence to remember the life of one of the club’s most dedicated servants.
This tribute has been written by Bedford Town’s, Dan Coulthard and has been shared with the Bedford Independent with the club’s permission and that of Mike’s family.
Bedford Town Football Club has paid tribute to former Chairman and lifelong volunteer, Mike John whose influence, commitment and character helped shape the modern identity of the Eagles.
Following last week’s announcement of his passing, supporters, former players, staff, volunteers and members of the wider football community have shared an outpouring of love and admiration for a man described by many as a true gentleman, a legend, and one of the nicest people in local football.
A Founder, a Builder and a Leader
Mike is remembered as one of the driving forces behind the reforming and rebuilding of Bedford Town FC.
Former colleagues and supporters recalled his inspirational role, alongside others such as Jim Hull, in re-establishing the club, securing new facilities, and helping deliver the move to Meadow Lane and the construction of the new Eyrie.
One supporter described him as, “the reason Bedford Town FC is where it is today,” while another wrote that he was “instrumental in getting and building the new Eyrie and taking the Eagles into the Isthmian League.”
Even in recent years, Mike and his wife Carol remained deeply involved, with supporters noting that “up until April, he and Carol were still running around after us helping out with hospitality.”
His work, they said, “will never be forgotten.”
A man of unwavering dedication
Dozens of tributes spoke of Mike’s generosity with his time, his kindness, and his ever-present support for players and staff.
Many remembered the warmth of his welcome, his encouragement, his humour, and his love for the club.
Messages described him as, “a dedicated and passionate Eagles supporter”, “a stalwart of Bedford Town”, “a gentleman from head to toe” and “a man who always made time for everyone.”
Former players spoke of his support and friendship. Gary Sargent recalled that Mike “always had a chat after every match”; Renée Howe sharing that “he always told me I was his favourite player… he always showed me love.”
Others reflected on how he looked out for young families, supported players through difficult periods, and maintained friendships throughout their careers and beyond.
Younger fans remembered him as “like a grandad,” while long-time supporters praised his tireless work for the club over many decades.
Loved by the community and respected across football
Many tributes expressed shock and sadness, describing his passing as “heartbreaking”, “gutting”, and “a massive loss.”
Supporters wrote that he leaves 2a huge hole,” that “he will be deeply missed,” and that “we should strive to be like him.”
Clubs across the region, including Eaton Socon, Kettering Town, Biggleswade FC, Biggleswade Town, and more, sent condolences, reflecting the respect Mike earned throughout the local football community.
Supporter Bryan ‘Vamp’ Jeffries captured the shared feeling with the words: “Mike gave his all for the Eagles, often at great personal cost. A true legend. In our hearts forever.”
Others wrote: “Another Eagle watching over The Eyrie every day”. Another said, “He will never, ever be forgotten”, while others said simply: “Fly high, Mike.”
Local reporter, Tom Carr from the Bedford Independent wrote: “All of us at the Bedford Independent are really sorry to hear the news of Mike’s passing.
“I didn’t know him for all that long, but he was particularly welcoming to all of us at the Bedford Independent on the occasions we were in the DT Suite. Always up for a chat and Eagles through and through. I’m sure he’ll be sorely missed”.
Our thoughts with Carol and family
Virtually every tribute shared included heartfelt condolences for Mike’s wife, Carol, who contributed so much alongside him.
The club extends its deepest sympathy to Carol, their family, and everyone close to Mike.
Mike’s commitment, vision and kindness have left a permanent mark on Bedford Town Football Club. His legacy lives on in our ground, in our community, and in the values he helped embed at every level of the club.
The club will share details of any planned commemorations in due course, in consultation with Mike’s family.
Tributes from club staff
Members of the Bedford Town Board of Directors and club staff gave their heartfelt condolences too.
Jon Taylor commented: “Mike you were a great friend of mine and my late father David Taylor.
You were a very jovial, ‘speak-from-the-heart’ person who enjoyed talking about your “The Eagles” when the club reformed. You actually lit up the room in company, and you had so many people that that loved your affectionate character to be honest.
“I miss the daily chats and texts we used have together. The Football Club will not be the same without you being around the club, especially in the DT suite with Carol.
“Your legacy will fondly be remembered and your service to the club was unwavering. You treated me as a son, and you gave me as much knowledge that you could in life to advise me on the club and my personal business.
“We all remember you were the first Chairman when the club reformed in 1989 and you were one of the instrumental volunteers that were heavily involved with the rise of our “Mighty Eagles”.
“You honestly put your heart and soul into the club, blood sweat and sometimes tears.
“You are, in my eyes, a club legend and you will never, ever be forgotten by so many people that still follow and support the club.
“You ensured amongst many others that we, the Eagles, could play at Meadow Lane as we name The New Eyrie.
“We are all eternally grateful for your kind generosity not only your family time that you missed but the kind donations you have made in the last eight years to help our club along the way.
“Not forgetting the money with a handful of others that kept the club afloat in the first two or three years in 1989. You really are one in a million.
“I personally treasure the times we spent together, and I (we) have all lost a truly amazing person who would help anyone. I hope your spirit is at rest now and I know you will be looking down on all of us wanting us all to truly succeed.
“Goodbye my friend and ‘fly high’ with the rest of our lost Eagles. Until we meet again.”
Co-director Gary Hewitt said: “A respected former chairman, a loyal friend, and a genuinely good man. His generosity of spirit, and the way he treated everyone with dignity and kindness, touched our club and our lives in lasting ways.
“Mike’s presence brought steadiness, warmth, and a quiet strength that will be deeply missed but never forgotten. I personally spoke to Mike many times, not just about the game of football but about both our visits to Dubai.
“His knowledge of the country helped me with my business – advising on the places to see and the places to avoid. Sending
my heartfelt sympathy to his wonderful wife, Carol, and all the family. Mike, may you rest in peace.”
Ben Banks commented: “An exceptionally sad start to a week. Mike was a wonderful man and was full of encouragement. Having backed the club, himself he knew how hard it can be and he never stopped supporting, encouraging and volunteering.
“Thoughts with Mike’s family and wonderful Carol. Fly high Mike. Your presence will be missed… massively”.
Chairman, Adrian Brown, said, “Mike our chairman, who was instrumental in getting and building the new Eyrie and taking the Eagles into the Isthmian league. Mike we will all sorely miss you”.
Head of media at the club, and former operations manager Dan Coulthard shared his memories of Mike and his sorrow after Mike’s passing:
“What dreadful news. When I first joined the club, Mike was instrumental in providing me with valuable knowledge, not just of the football club, but of football in general and of the town of Bedford that he was ever so passionate about.
The sheer volume of tributes flooding in to the club speaks volumes about what an incredible person Mike was. He will be greatly missed”.
Football legend, former Eagles player, manager and well-known Bedfordian, Barry Fry wrote to the club and expressed: “Mike John was second to none as a supporter of Bedford Town.
“He supported them when I was playing and as manager. He’s done every job there. His contribution to Bedford’s existence has been huge and he will be sadly missed.
“He was also a personal friend, and I’ll never forget the times we spent together. Mike was very, very supportive of my career and I’ll be eternally grateful to him.
“He will definitely be thoroughly missed by every at Bedford Town Football Club”.
And finally, Bedford Town manager Lee Bircham was very touched by Mike and was, “so, so, saddened by this news.”
“What a man Mike was.
“[He] made me feel so welcome from the first moment I walked in the building and even when he was really ill, Mike still found time for us to have our weekly chat on the phone. [My thoughts are with] Mike’s family and especially his wonderful wife, Carol”.
Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Rest in eternal piece, Mike.
This tribute has been shared with us by Bedford Town Head of Media,
Dan Coulthard on agreement with Bedford Town FC and Mike’s family.
