Bedford Town attacker Ellis Brown has turned down the opportunity to stay at The Eyrie next season, opting to follow former teammate, Tyrone Marsh to National League North rivals, Oxford City.
Brown, who was due to stay at the club after a one-year contract extension was triggered in May, has been sold for an “undisclosed” transfer fee.
Read: Marsh and Ashmore leave Bedford Town in double hammer blow to the Eagles
“The club triggered Ellis’ option for a further year in his contract back in May. However, Ellis continued to express his wish to leave the Eyrie”, said Bedford Town in a brief statement released yesterday (1 July).
“The club received an offer from Oxford City for him and he has now completed a transfer to them for an undisclosed fee.
“We would like to thank Ellis for his contribution to the club during his time at Bedford Town.”
Speaking to his new club’s media team, Brown says he has made the transition to move “forward in my career”.
“I’m feeling good, I’m excited and I can’t wait to start”, said Brown.
“After speaking to [manager] Ross Jenkins, getting a feel for the club; going forward in my career it was the best place for me to come.
“I want to bet on myself, on and off the pitch. I just want to see how much I can learn and see how high this club can go and I’m super excited about it.
“I’m looking forward to being with the lads and getting the season started, see what opportunities there are to play in some big stadiums.”
Gyasi and Wilkinson come in
With Marsh and now, Ellis Brown leaving, alongside the likes of Jevani Brown who has moved to Peterborough Sports, Bedford Town have been moving for forward reinforcements.
In June, two such signings were made as new manager, Harry Smart moved to sign King’s Lynn striker and former Eagles man, Michael Gyasi alongside Finley Wilkinson who has signed from National League South club, Hemel Hempstead Town.
Gyasi, who played for Bedford Town in the 2017/18 season, has been signed to “lead the front line”, and with vast experience across the non-league game, the Eagles hierarchy will hope he can get close to Marsh’s goal tally from last season.
Speaking after signing his contract, Gyasi said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bedford Town. It has been on the cards for a while and I’m really happy it is now done.
“I can’t wait for pre-season to get going and meet all the fans and people connected with the Eagles!”
Also joining is 23-year old versatile attacker Finley Wilkinson, who scored six goals in National League South for Hemel Hempstead Town as they fell in the National League South play-offs last season.
Described by the Eagles as a man with “a reputation for hard work, versatility and attacking quality”, Smart will be hoping he hits the ground running.
“I’m extremely excited to be signing for Bedford Town for the upcoming season”, said Wilkinson.
“After speaking with Harry and [new assistant manager] ‘Yella’ I was keen to get on board and contribute to what looks like a positive time for the club. Let’s have a successful season! See you soon Eagles fans”.
New goalkeeper
At the other end of the pitch, there has also been another key signing as Bedford-born Laurie Walker, 36, has signed a two-year contract after joining from National League side, Solihull Moors.
The former Millwall and MK Dons goalkeeper has over 650 senior appearances to his name, with co-owner and Director of Football, Jon Taylor calling it “a move in the right direction for the club”.
“He is going to bring in the wealth of experience we need between the sticks”, said Taylor.
“He will also help the younger additions in the squad around the changing rooms which will be so valuable. I will go as far to say we have brought in the best goalkeeper in the league.
“It is great news to have Laurie on board, and I am sure Eagles fans cannot wait to see him wearing the blue and white colours”, he added.
Alongside a number of other new faces, the Bedford Town squad is now largely taking shape with pre-season on the horizon.
Read: Ben Weyman swaps Real Bedford for Bedford Town as Eagles squad takes shape
Their first pre-season friendly is at The Eyrie against Aldershot on Tuesday, 7 July ahead of a visit from Berkhamsted on Saturday, 11 July.
Biggleswade FC are the next opponents on Tuesday, 14 July before Southern League Premier South champions, Walton and Hersham visit four days later.
The Bedfordshire Senior Cup final against Real Bedford on Friday, 24 July will heat pre-season up a notch, before the friendlies are rounded up with a trip to Kettering Town.
The National League North schedule is due to be released on Friday, 10 July.
