CHARLIE SMITH DEPARTS REAL BEDFORD

Real Bedford can confirm that first-team coach Charlie Smith has left the club. Smith signed for the Pirates in July 2023, winning the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division as a defensive midfielder in the 2023/24 campaign. 

Smith made 49 appearances for Real Bedford, scoring a number of impressive goals, including his strike from the halfway line against Biggleswade United, which won the goal of the season award. 

After retiring from football in May 2024, the former Luton Town and Hitchin Town midfielder continued at the club as one of Rob Sinclair’s backroom staff.

Smith was the first-team coach for the 2024/25 season, helping with training sessions and playing a key role in the set-piece tactics, which were hugely successful throughout the campaign.

On leaving Real Bedford, Smith said:

“What an amazing two years it’s been with the club. To the staff who I’ve worked with this year, the supporters, families, volunteers and players. I will certainly miss it and I wish everyone at the football club the very best.”

Rob Sinclair gave praise to Smith for his contributions as both player and coach:

“I can’t thank Chaz enough for what he has given to me personally and to the football club. First as a player, he was technically gifted, hardworking, and had outstanding vision and awareness, a proper footballing brain.

Then he transitioned into coaching and was outstanding. It’s never easy to go from player to coach and earn instant respect, but Chaz did that through his character, knowledge, and work ethic.

Chaz, you’re a top person with an incredible family. Thank you from me, the staff, and all the players. You’ll be missed. Wishing you nothing but success in whatever comes next, you’ve earned it.”

Chairman Peter McCormack on Charlie’s departure:

“It’s always sad to see someone leave the club, especially someone as influential as Charlie Smith. As both a player and a coach, Charlie played a vital role in two promotions, and I’ll always be grateful for his contribution. His unforgettable halfway-line goal against Biggleswade will go down as one of the greatest ever scored in a Pirates shirt. I wish him nothing but the best for the future."

We want to thank Charlie for his valuable contribution to the club and wish him all the best in the future.