Bedford Town have announced that their captain, Ryan Blake has left the club “for an undisclosed fee” to join Southern League Premier South side, Berkhamsted.
However, soon after, the club announced the return of another fan favourite in striker Leon Lobjoit, who has re-joined Bedford Town just four months after leaving The Eyrie to join Kettering Town.
Blake, who came to The Eyrie a month after manager Lee Bircham joined in the summer of 2023, was voted player of the year in consecutive campaigns, and led the side to back-to-back promotions, including to National League North last season.
The blow of losing their club captain has been cushioned by the return of prolific goalscorer, Lobjoit who has been coaxed back to The Eyrie after just four appearances for the Poppies in Southern League Premier Central.
There is currently no indication of who will replace Blake as club captain, although centre back Greg Taylor has been taking the armband in matches Blake has not been involved in, or has been substituted in.
The transfer of Blake, which is the first ever for Berkhamsted with a transfer fee attached, sees a return for the winger where he played a pivotal role in the Comrades’ double winning team of 2022/23 before joining the Eagles under Bircham.
Bedford Town wished the fan favourite their best in announcing he was leaving to a step three side.
“Bedford Town Football Club can confirm that a bid has been accepted for club captain and long-serving forward Ryan Blake, who has completed a move to a step three side for an undisclosed fee.
“Blake, a firm favourite among supporters, leaves The Eyrie after making a huge impact across his time with the club.
“Renowned for his tireless work rate, leadership on and off the pitch, and an eye for goal, Ryan has played a pivotal role in recent years, wearing the captain’s armband with pride.
“We wish Ryan every success with his new club.”
Berkhamsted also commented on the transfer.
“Everyone at the club is excited to see Ryan back in a yellow shirt to continue a career that began at Tring Athletic, and has seen him rack up over 500 appearances and 170 goals.
“This signing adds firepower to the squad and is a statement of intent from the club to confirm its status at step three.”
More new faces
Bedford Town have been busy in the transfer market in the past seven days, announcing the loan signing of new goalkeeper, 35-year old Nathan Ashmore from Boreham Wood, with summer signing, Dan Wilks falling out of favour in recent weeks.
Joining Ashmore is another loan signing in attacking midfielder, Joshua Phillips who has joined on a one-month loan deal from Luton Town.
While the two new signings will bolster the Bedford Town squad, there is a certain love for some players at The Eyrie and Leon Lobjoit certainly fits that category, along with Blake who he will pass at the front door.
Bedford Town return to National League North action tomorrow (4 October) as they travel to Nottinghamshire to face 12th-placed, Worksop Town before their first tilt in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup at Barton Rovers on 7 October.
The National League North game at home against Buxton on 11 October has been postponed owing to Buxton’s progression to the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup.
This article was updated at 19:10 on Friday 3 October to reflect the new signing of Leon Lobjoit
