Bedford Town are continuing with the home-grown theme in their summer transfer window so far, unveiling two Bedford-born strikers with considerable non-league experience to bolster their attacking options.
Tyrone Marsh, 31, and 33-year old, Shaun Jeffers have both been announced in the past couple of days as manager, Lee Bircham looks to replace Leon Lobjoit, who left The Eyrie for Kettering Town at the beginning of the month.
Read: Star striker Leon Lobjoit to leave Bedford Town but local lad Taylor joins
Marsh, who lives in the town, helped Boreham Wood secure promotion from National League South last season, last scoring in the club’s 4-2 away win against Slough Town as part of an eight game winning streak that saw them reach the play-offs.
They went on to beat Maidstone 1-0 in the play-off final.
It was just one of 45 goals he would score for the Wood, and Bedford Town manager, Lee Bircham is hoping he brings some of that form to The Eyrie in Bedford Town’s first season at step two since 2006/07.
“I’m obviously over the moon to get Tyrone in an Eagles shirt for next season!” said Bircham.
“It all came around pretty quick once we knew there could be a slight chance with Tyrone.
“Big factors we knew in our favour was the fact Tyrone lives in the town with his young family and also was very keen on playing for his hometown club.
“A quick chat followed and after that I felt from all parties that this was a deal that had to be done. So I am delighted that it has been.
“Marshy brings a wealth of experience with him on top of being an outstanding player anywhere if the front area of the pitch. He also brings a fantastic hard working leadership quality we are going to need in that changing room next season.”
In addition to the acquisition of Marsh is Shaun Jeffers, another striker who played in National League South last season with St Albans City, and another striker who hails from Bedford.
Jeffers began life with Coventry City; a club he spent four years at before loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Cambridge United and Peterborough United but it’s his form at St Albans which has caught the eye, scoring 98 goals in 194 appearances at Clarence Park.
“I’ve been a long admirer of Shaun during his career and It’s been a long chase on my part”, says Bircham.
“As a club this was an absolute no brainer for us. Quite rightly, and as expected, Shaun had a lot of offers to go through, but once he had shown us that he quite fancied it at Bedford, myself, JT [owner, Jon Taylor] and Shaun got the deal done.
“He is a strong and physical ‘big 9’ type player, with an incredible goal scoring record to boot. He brings with him a brilliant career and another leader in the changing room that will also bring out the best in the other forward players we have.”
Fan reaction
Football fans can often be a fickle bunch, but the reaction to the summer’s transfer window at The Eyrie so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Bircham is building a hell of a side”, said one non-league football fan account on social media.
“A front two of Jeffers and Tyrone Marsh for a newly promoted side is something special. I know who my favourite NLN side is!”
Local fans were also impressed, with one praising the “statement of intent” with “another brilliant signing” while multiple Eagles fans called both new signings “unreal” as the new squad begins to take shape.
These two signings are in addition to the return of Football League stalwart, Greg Taylor, who is another Bedfordian as well as goalkeeper, Dan Wilks who will solve a conundrum experienced by the Eagles last season when they went through seven goalkeepers across the campaign.
Wilks joined from St Ives Town, and is followed by midfielder, Will Glennon while defender, Ellis Myles was announced at the end of May.
Bedford Town’s pre-season campaign begins on 12 July at St Neots Town, one of seven pre-season friendlies before another non-league campaign begins.
Fixtures for the National League North season are announced on 9 July.
