Real Bedford’s manager, Rob Sinclair has committed to life at the Ledger Stadium by signing a new two-year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Sinclair, who first joined the club in May 2022, became the first manager appointed by co-owner and chairman, Peter McCormack following his takeover of Bedford United the previous month and has gone on to lead the team to three successive league titles.
Sinclair, who enjoyed a varied Football League career as a player at the likes of Stevenage and Forest Green Rovers, has been in charge for 114 league games at the Ledger Stadium, winning 93 of them as he has led the Pirates to non-league success, rising from step six to step three.
“I’m incredibly proud to commit my future to this football club and sign a new deal”, said Sinclair.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt something special here; the ambition, the energy, the people.
“Pete [McCormack] has built something unique at Real Bedford.
“His vision, his passion for the town, and his relentless drive to push this club forward is infectious. It’s rare to find an owner so connected to the community and so committed to doing things the right way for the club, for the players, the staff, and the supporters.”
In the majority of his time at the Ledger Stadium, he has been assisted by former Bedford Town manager, Mark Ducket but this year, takes on a second assistant manager in Frankie Fry, who joins the club from Kettering Town.
“A huge part of this decision was also the staff around me.
“I’m fortunate to work alongside a group of coaches and people who share the same standards, hunger, and values. The work we do every day together is what gives us the foundation to keep improving and keep driving standards.”
Sinclair joined the club with Real Bedford in Spartans South Midlands Division One – step six of the non-league pyramid – and went on to top that league by nine points, before winning a titanic title battle with Milton Keynes Irish in the Premier Division the following season.
Berkhamsted were Real’s primary challengers last season, and they went toe-to-toe until March, before Real Bedford soared clear to eventually win Southern League Central Division One by 15 points, with a total of 104 points – scoring 129 goals in the process.
“We’ve built a fantastic group on and off the pitch, and I know we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible here. This isn’t just about signing a contract, it’s about committing to a journey that means a great deal to me personally.
“We’ve got big ambitions, and I’m fully committed to giving everything I have, every single day, to help this club, this group, and this town achieve them together.”
New signings
Real Bedford’s summer signings have been led by the acquisition of Bedford Town defender, Jack Davies but Real has since announced three more new faces who are joining the club for their first tilt at step three.
These include Ben Wayman, who joins from Royston Town, 21-year old attacker, Josh Allen and former Spalding Town defender, Sam Cartwright.
Read: Bedford Town’s Jack Davies crosses the divide to join neighbours Real Bedford
Chairman, Peter McCormack also commented on Sinclair’s new contract, saying “we have one of the best managers in non-league football”.
“I’m delighted that Rob has signed a new contract and committed to Real Bedford for another two years”, said McCormack.
“With three titles in three seasons, he’s firmly established himself as one of the best managers in non-league football. His relentless work ethic and winning mentality run through every part of the club, and I hope to work alongside him for many more years to come.”
Real Bedford will compete in Southern League Premier Central this season, with their six-game pre-season schedule beginning on 12 July against Corby Town at the Ledger Stadium.
