Bedford Town have announced Harry Smart as their new manager for the 2026/27 season.
Smart, who worked as one of Lee Bircham’s assistant managers last season, takes the step up to lead the Eagles into their second campaign in the National League after Bircham announced he was leaving the club before their final home game against Scarborough in April.
Read: Bedford Town manager Lee Bircham resigns
Bircham has since moved back to home club Hemel Hempstead Town in National League South, taking one of his assistants in David Noble with him, as well as a select few backroom staff, but 28-year old Harry Smart remains to take the reins at The Eyrie.
An ambitious young coach
A statement released by Bedford Town on Tuesday evening (5 May) said Smart was the “outstanding candidate” with the board taking the unanimous decision to hire him.
“The club received a high number of strong applications for the position, reflecting both the progress made and the growing reputation of Bedford Town”, began the statement.
“Following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, the board unanimously identified Harry as the outstanding candidate to lead the club forward.
“Continuity played a key role in the decision. Harry has already made a significant impact behind the scenes, contributing to the foundations built last season and playing an integral role in shaping the team’s identity.
“His understanding of the club’s philosophy, standards, and long-term ambitions made him a natural fit for the position and the club looks forward to the next chapter under Harry’s leadership.”
“An amazing club to work for”
Speaking exclusively to the Bedford Independent on his appointment, Smart says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“I’m really proud and really excited to get started. A massive thanks to [Directors] Jon, Ben and Gary for entrusting me to take this club forwards for a second consecutive season in National League North.
“We understand the challenges ahead, but it doesn’t frighten me or us at all. It’s an amazing football club to work for and it’s somewhere I am really proud to work.
“I also saw the potential in the club both on and off the pitch last season.
“The supporters are absolutely fantastic; the home and away support we get is really special and it’s a club heading in the right direction, and we’re really excited to get started.
Asked on how a Harry Smart team will set up, Bedford Town’s new manager plans to take “full control of a game” and promises entertainment.
“I’ve always had the idea that the best way to play football is to take full control with and without the ball. I like front-footed football, and I like being involved in games where your team is the aggressor.
“To get there, we have to be a team. No one player can take control, and we have to do that together.
“And ultimately, I like memorable games for supporters! I am a supporter of the game, I like watching high scoring games; it gets people excited.
“But when I played, I played towards the bottom end of the pitch and I prided myself on clean sheets and good defensive performances.
“We were definitely frustrated with how many goals we conceded [last season], but we were building something special defensively, and we had some excellent organisation in our good periods, so that will be our foundation.
“And then, everything will be about getting on the front foot!”
Bedford Town remained at step two of the non-league pyramid on the final day of the season after a 1-1 draw against Scarborough left them on 53 points for the campaign.
Read: Bedford Town stay up after final day draw against Scarborough
The new competitive season is due to kick off in the early days of August, but local football fans will be able to delve back into the action with a pre-season friendly programme that will be announced in the coming weeks.
