Pirates Confirm 6 Players To Depart This Summer
Real Bedford can today confirm that James Ducket, Claston Gordon, Lewis Burgess, Kevin Owusu, Ben Walsh and Alfie Bozward will leave the club this season.
The group have 181 appearances between them in Real Bedford colours, and will move onto pastures new ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Rob Sinclair, said:
“This is always a difficult time of year for our squad, as a number of players within our group will be moving on heading into next season,”
“This group of players is very special. We always speak about the importance of the contribution of the whole squad to our performances.”
“All the players want to play, but every member of the squad has had a team-first attitude throughout the season.”
“As a manager I couldn’t be prouder of these players and the efforts they have put in during their time as Real Bedford players.”
Claston Gordon (54 Appearances)
Having joined the club midway through the 2022/23 season from Northamptonshire side Moulton, Gordon surpassed the 50 appearance marker towards the end of the current campaign.
With a crucial assist in the opening game of the season against MK Irish, Gordon has applied his trade in a multitude of positions for The Pirates and has become a fan favourite around McMullen Park.
James Ducket (51 Appearances)
After joining the club at the start of the 2022/23 campaign alongside twin brother Rob, James has been an experienced head within the Real Bedford squad.
Having made 34 appearances within his first campaign at The Pirates, Ducket has sured up the defence when required throughout his time at McMullen Park.
Kevin Owusu (38 Appearances)
Owusu will go down in history as the first player to score a competitive goal for Real Bedford FC having rifled a superb strike into the back of the net against Rushden & Higham FC in the season opener back in August 2022. Owusu was also awarded International Fan’s Player of the Season for his performances throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Having spent this year at Winslow United, securing promotion up to Step 5 for the second year in a row, Owusu departs the club as an infamous part of The Pirates inaugural season.
Lewis Burgess (31 Appearances)
Burgess joined the Pirates in January 2023 and immediately caught the eyes of Real Bedford fans with his long throw-ins, assisting many goals throughout his time at the club.
Having applied his trade at both left-back and centre-back throughout his tenure at McMullen Park, Burgess impressed with his defensive acumen and impressive throw-ins.
Ben Walsh (5 Appearances)
Left-back Walsh had an unfortunate start to the 2022/23 season after picking up an ACL injury during a pre-season match at McMullen Park.
Despite the set-back Walsh worked hard in rehab to make his full debut for the club nearly 18 months later coming off the bench against Arlesey Town in a league game.
Alfie Bozward (2 Appearances)
The young goalkeeper made two starts for The Pirates across this season against Wellingborough Whitworth and Codicote FC.
Having tested and pushed Tyler McGregor in training throughout the season, Bozward has developed well under the guidance of goalkeeper coach Ian Brown.
The club would like to thank all the players leaving Real Bedford and wish them well in their future endeavours.
ABOUT REAL BEDFORD FC
Real Bedford FC is a non-league football club based in Bedford. Acquired by Peter McCormack in 2021, he set the ambitious goal of getting the team into the football league. After rebranding as Real Bedford, they won a league and cup double in their first season and have been promoted to the Spartan South Midlands Premier League.
The club prides itself on its strong and growing community ties and dedication to developing local talent. With a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Real Bedford FC aims to create opportunities for aspiring footballers and promote the sport's growth within the Bedford region.
