11 Seasons Summarised - Page 5 - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

BirdyFC · 27-03-08, 09:07 PM

NOVEMBER

BEDFORD 1-2 Morecambe
Stead scores a cracker, but Bedford are robbed of three points. A dodgy penalty decision given to Morecambe, Beresford missing a penalty, Craig being carted off with injury so was down to 10 men and Booth having a goal disallowed. A day when everything that could go wrong... went wrong.

Rushden 1-3 BEDFORD
Bedford visit their previous parent club, and come home with all three points. A fantastic result for the team with Rayner (2) and Booth getting the goals.

BEDFORD 2-2 Rushden ----- FA Cup 1st Round
Bedford nearly get their second win in four days over Rushden as Rushden fight back from 2-0 down to force a replay. Rayner opened the scoring before Farrell fired home an unstoppable 30 yard screamer.
Damien Love was handed his debut at left back at the age of 16 and looked impressive.

NEW SIGNING - striker Blaise Diaz joins on a free. I'm thinking of getting rid of the inconsistent Adams even though he's 'apparently' my best striker, and Diaz is a consistent performer. He goes straight into the squad against Rushden.

Rushden 3-3 BEDFORD ----- FA Cup Replay
Rushden must be getting sick of Bedford, as 10 man Bedford (due to injury) take them to penalties after goals from Farrell, Diaz and Booth.
BEDFORD WIN 5-4 ON PENS

Middlesbrough 4-1 BEDFORD
A tired (in fitness, and of Rushden) Bedford side slump to big defeat to leaders Middlesbrough as Bird tries to also keep players ready for the FA Cup clash. Rayner is on target for Bedford.

BEDFORD 2-2 Leyton Orient ----- FA Cup 2nd Round
Bedford's fixture list is going to become really congested as Bedford come from behind twice with goals from Rayner and Jones to force a replay.

We end November in 14th with a game in hand versus struggling Mansfield. A win would have us 10th.

**WozzaWolves** · 28-03-08, 01:03 PM

Your doing fantastic! Congratulations on the win in the FA Cup! Diaz sounds a nice signing.

BirdyFC · 31-03-08, 07:29 PM

DECEMBER

[i]The draw for the FA Cup 3rd Round is made and a replay win will hand us a tie at fellow L2 side, Hartlepool.

BEDFORD 2-2 Accrington
Bedford dominate but only get a point as Beresford and Diaz (on his league debut for Bedford) score for Bedford.
Beresford misses TWO penalties, which should have easily sealed the game and put us four up at the break.

Bournemouth 4-0 BEDFORD
Bournemouth destroy a half asleep Bedford. We just never got going, and are reduced to 10 men later on.

Leyton Orient 6-6 BEDFORD ----- FA Cup 2nd Round Replay
Bedford's defence stayed at home, but with Bird shouting at the touchline to go on an all out attack when 6-2 down, Bedford somehow someway take it to extra time. Rayner (3), Beresford and McPherson (2) are the heroes.
Extra time... RAYNER GETS HIS 4TH!!!!
DIAZ MAKES IT 8!!!!!!!A MIRACULOUS COMEBACK!!!!!!!!!!!
FT Leyton Orient 6-8 BEDFORD
This definitely beats my coming from behind to beat Motherwell with Cowdenbeath a few seasons back.

BEDFORD 2-0 Brentford
Diaz and Farrell get the goals as the Bedford defence return to action.

BEDFORD 1-1 Mansfield
Bedford fail to make this game in hand count as McPherson comes off the bench and scores Bedford's only goal.

Leyton Orient 1-5 BEDFORD
Bedford's defence turn up to face Leyton Orient this time as Bedford rip Orient's defence apart again with two goals from Rayner and a fantastic hat-trick from Diaz (7 goals in 7 starts and 1 sub app).

Bird publicly denies Arsenal interest after Jewell sacked

BEDFORD 2-2 Wycombe
Bedford caught napping twice in defence as they throw away an early lead from Diaz's goal. Beresford saves a point by scoring an injury time penalty.

And so there's the half way point of the season... 11th place and 5 points off the playoffs. It is still very much do-able if we tighten up the defence a little more.

JANUARY 2025

BEDFORD 4-0 Shrewsbury
Bedford enjoy a comfortable win over Shrewsbury with goals from Rayner (2), Diaz and Russell (pen).

Harlepool 1-1 BEDFORD ----- FA Cup 3rd Round
10 man Bedford put up an amazing fight and were unlucky not to beat Hartlepool despite being the better side. A goal from Diaz leveled the score and took it to a replay.

Chris Adams leaves for 220k to Martigues

Tranmere 1-1 BEDFORD
Bedford get a point after an early Diaz goal was pegged back just before half time. Both sides could argue they deserved all three points.

Peter Davies joins from Reading for a 6k fee. The central defender is a decent signing for any L1 side and is our 3rd best centre back.

BEDFORD 0-0 Chester
Bedford fail to turn chances into goals, and a day where a win would have put us just 1 point off the playoffs. It's still only 3 points though. Rayner gets his third 6 rating in a row, so I think I'll give him a rest to get his scoring head back.

BEDFORD 1-2 Hartlepool ----- FA Cup 3rd Round Replay
With Hartlepool down to 10 men, Bedford failed to take advantage and went out of the FA Cup. We really could have beaten them but it just didn't come together.

Cracknell signs from Scunthorpe for 0k. The left back is decent for any L1 side and is much better than Craig. He goes straight into the team to play Barnet

Barnet 1-2 BEDFORD
Bedford produce a better second half performance to come from behind to beat Barnet with goals from substitute Rayner and Diaz. A not convincing performance... but enough.

BEDFORD 1-2 Oldham
Oldham concede an injury time goal as Bedford fall to their first defeat in the league for nine games. Rayner is on target for the home side.

Finance Update: Our bank balance hits 1 million for the first time... probably ever.

Notts County 0-3 BEDFORD
Rayner, Farrell and Diaz are on target as Bedford put in a fantastic performance to beat 2nd placed County to get into the playoffs for the first time.

FEBRUARY

Another player has left The New Eyrie. Left back Craig has joined Ross County for 20k

BEDFORD 1-1 Hartlepool
Bedford so nearly gain revenge on Hartlepool for the FA Cup exit. Beresford is on target for the home side, but is cancelled out late on.

Swansea 1-5 BEDFORD
Diaz bags a hat-trick as Bedford make small work of Swansea. Rayner and McPherson complete the rout.

BEDFORD 2-0 Doncaster
Diaz scores to put the home side in front but Bedford have to survive the last 20 minutes with 10 men. Lady luck is on our side as they miss the penalty and then Rayner seals the win.

Darlington 2-1 BEDFORD
Three of my starting defence are ruled out which I have to say cost us the game. Russell on target for Bedford.

Scunthorpe 0-2 BEDFORD
An amazing story here. Bird sees striker potential in 17yr old left back Love. He gets a start in place of the injured Diaz.... and scores and gets MOM!!!! Rayner gets the other goal in the 2-0 victory.

Andy Oakley joins Sutton Utd for 60k

**WozzaWolves** · 31-03-08, 07:47 PM

Your climbing the table now!

What a game against Leyton Orient :D Yur players showed real character!

Keep it going ;D

BradHally · 01-04-08, 11:33 AM

Great game versus Leyton Orient
Unlucky with some of your results especially the FA Cup against Hartlepool.
KUTGW!

BirdyFC · 02-04-08, 10:03 AM

MARCH

BEDFORD 1-1 AFC Wimbledon
Diaz marks his return with a goal, while Love keeps a place in the side; starting on the left wing before moving upfront after Diaz got a knock. Love then showed some amazing skill and a perfection pass before Beresford hit it wide.

Chesterfield 2-1 BEDFORD
Bedford throw away the lead and all three points after Farrell's superb effort sent the away side into the lead. A good performance but got sloppy towards the end. Bad news as Diaz is ruled out for 2 months.

BEDFORD 3-2 Swindon
Damien Love, a left back? I think someone got that wrong as Bird plays him upfront. Bedford go 2-0 down early on... but a HAT TRICK from Damien Love gets the win. Amazing.

Matt Oakley signs as new Assistant Manager. I worked with him back at Cowdenbeath and we did well there. Ex-Asst Man has retook his role as a coach again.

Morecambe 6-5 BEDFORD
Honest to god, the defence didn't get on the team bus again. Shocking performance, but when 6-2 down... we nearly pulled off another Orient performance. Sadly, it was just nearly. Booth (2), Stead, McPherson and an own goal kept our team's modesty.... just.

Arsenal go into admin and lose nine Prem points... putting them bottom. A second big name relegation in two years?
It is also the third Prem club to be docked points this year, along with West Ham and Everton.

Mansfield 1-2 BEDFORD
Love comes off the bench to score both goals as Bedford come from behind to get the three points. That's six goals for the "left back".

A not fantastic March and the final play-off place is going to be tough to get. We're sitting in that last play-off place with a game in hand but our form has been inconsistent recently and we have some tough games ahead.

APRIL
BEDFORD 4-2 Rushden
Rayner returns to form scoring two early goals. Rushden cancel out the lead but a late header from Chambers, and a third for Rayner seals the win.

BEDFORD 1-1 Middlesbrough
Beresford scores an injury time goal to deny league leaders Middlesbrough the points they need to guarantee their promotion. A point well deserved for Bedford.

Accrington 2-0 BEDFORD
Bedford never got fully going and a 0-0 would have been a fair result. Sadly though, we leave with nothing.

BEDFORD 1-1 Bournemouth
McPherson has slipped down the pecking order at Bedford but made a clear statement as he scored to draw against 4th place Bournemouth.

Brentford 1-5 BEDFORD
An own goal and two goals each from Love and Rayner give Bedford a massive boost of confidence with just two games to go.

BEDFORD 2-1 Leyton Orient
Rayner and Jones secure 7th and a playoff place for Bedford with one game to go. A great four years for Bedford fans. One league title, and reached the playoffs in three different divisions.

FACT: The team who has finished 7th in the past two seasons have won the playoffs.

May

Wycombe 1-5 BEDFORD
Bedford win the psychological form battle in style with both sides heading into the playoffs. Love scores FOUR to take his tally to TWELVE!! Rayner gets the 5th for Bedford.
Love a left back?? Left back???!!!

BEDFORD 5-1 Bournemouth ----- Playoffs
Bedford record their first win over Bournemouth with a fine hat-trick from Rayner and one each for Beresford and McPherson. A place in final??? Also our third 5-1 win in four games.

Bournemouth 1-2 BEDFORD ----- Playoffs
A fesity first half saw Bedford reduced to ten men, and Bournemouth down to nine men. Bedford made use of the space created on the field as Rayner netted another two.
BEDFORD win 7-2 on agg

And so Bedford into the third play-off final in four years against Tranmere and first trip to Wembley for the Eagles. Bedford have never beaten Tranmere.

Bird has selection dilemma with no right backs (Chambers suspended, Harrison injured). Lee Kennedy to be given first start of season... in the final.
Diaz is also fit again, but Beresford is away on international duty. Bad timing.

.....
.....
.....

Tranmere take an early two goal lead.
Love nearly pulls one back as he hits the post.
HT - change of tactic, more attacking

Diaz comes on. All out attack now.
Diaz hits the post. Story of our day.
Tranmere make it 3-0 in injury time.

Tranmere 3-0 BEDFORD
They were the better side. We just never got going, and they were very impressive. Very gutting coming so close.

Screenshots

**WozzaWolves** · 02-04-08, 01:09 PM

THat is an incredible achievement to get to Wembley!!

Unlucky on the defeat in the final but you learn from your mistakes ;D

Akenatwn · 02-04-08, 11:23 PM

Oooh,tough luck m8.That's why i hate playoffs.the whole year depending on one match...

nice job though.not easy grabbing that playoff spot.
oh, and next year str8 promotion

BirdyFC · 05-04-08, 09:12 PM

AUGUST

We're 6-4 joint favourites for promotion. A good sign... maybe :)

New Signings
Keeper Rigg from Hereford (free) - leading star for any L1
Defenders Garner, Howe, Ledgister (16k) and Thomas (loan)
Midfielders Armah and Sharman
Striker Boakye from Peterborough (40k)

BEDFORD 3-1 Scunthorpe
A great start to the season for Bedford. Boakye, Beresford and Rayner score for the home side.
Beresford misses yet another penalty. I think his stat is telling a porkie.

Arsenal 3-0 BEDFORD ----- League Cup 1st Round
We went to the Emirates Stadium not expecting anything but a drubbing against the recently relegated Arsenal. Bedford performed well though and matched them. The only difference was Arsenal's clinical finishing.

Darlington 4-2 BEDFORD
I need a sheepdog... I need to round up my defence and make sure they go to away games. Rayner scores both for Bedford.

BEDFORD 3-1 Walsall
Bedford come from behind with goals from the players from Ghana scoring. Armah bags one from off the bench and striker Boakye scores twice.

York 0-5 BEDFORD
One thing that has never been Bedford's problem is having a fantastic strike partnership.
Boakye scores his first hat-trick and sets up Rayner for his two goals.

[i]EVERYONE DESPERATE FOR LOVE
No fewer than 23 clubs are after Damien Love... all rejected.

SEPTEMBER

BEDFORD 0-0 Rushden ----- JPT 1st Round
10 man Rushden take a poor Bedford to penalties... I hate these.
2-0 after penalties :D
Man they were really bad at them... two saves, two misses.

Cheltenham 3-1 BEDFORD
Early pace setters Cheltenham maintained their unbeaten start to the season by somehow beating a much more impressive Bedford. Rayner netting the only goal for Bedford.

BEDFORD 5-1 Northampton
A brilliant second half performance after a poor first half seals the three points for Bedford. Love comes off the bench to grab two. Rayner then gets his 75th league goal for the club, while an own goal and a Diaz goal put the cherry on the cake. A fine win and now 4th in L2.

BEDFORD 5-0 Leyton Orient
Bedford cruise to a fantastic win with a goal from Jones and two each from Love and Sharman (his first goals for the club). All of this despite us losing our two centre backs to suspension.

Chesterfield 3-2 BEDFORD
Bedford throw everything at the game but come away with nothing. Garner and Boakye with the goals for the away side. Thats our third away loss this season... out of four.

AFC Wimbledon 1-4 BEDFORD
Leigh Jones scores twice as Bedford halt their away day blues. Love and Rayner score to secure the win.

Breaking News: The Turks & Caicos Islands FA have appointed Chris Bird as their new manager. 147th in the World and have never scored in a competitive game.

BEDFORD 4-0 Hartlepool
Love, Rayner, Boakye and Armah are all on target as the cream is starting to finally rise to the top. We end September in 2nd place.

**WozzaWolves** · 06-04-08, 04:49 PM

lmao, congratulations on being appointed as Turks & Caicos Islands coach xD nd on having a decent start to the season :D

Keep going ;)

BirdyFC · 07-04-08, 11:14 AM

Yeah not sure why I took that. Boredom I think lol

Probably won't stay there too long to be honest... Bedford till I die (or find another challenge once I've got them to the be the best in Europe =P).

Akenatwn · 09-04-08, 03:01 AM

good start in the season.keep up the good work!it'll be promotion this year...

what better challenge than turks & caicos?

are there any players to use?or the non scoring is coz of the no players?

i think you should leave bedford and dedicate your managerial abilities with the powerful turks & caicos ahahahahha

anyway GL mate...you'll need it with turks & caicos (i just love saying that name)

BirdyFC · 10-04-08, 08:46 AM

OCTOBER

Wycombe 0-5 BEDFORD
Bedford certainly seem to have shaken off that away curse. It's all down to a bit of Love... he scores a fine hat-trick, while Russell and Armah complete the rout.
Love amazes me every time he plays. He just loves to score.

Brentford 2-1 BEDFORD ----- JPT 2nd Round
A small three minute blip costs Bedford a place in the next round as they narrowly lose out. Rayner scores for the away side.

BEDFORD 3-1 Yeovil
Goals from Russell (2) and Rayner give Bedford another three points.

BEDFORD 3-1 Bournemouth
Five straight league wins now thanks to goals from Boakye (2) and Jones.

Mansfield 2-4 BEDFORD
Bedford fight back after going 1-0 down in the first minute to take the lead with goals from Boakye and Rayner.
Thomas is then sent off at right back after just 28 minutes, but Bedford show their class with both strikers getting their second goals to take the three points.

Morecambe 1-4 BEDFORD
A hat-trick from Boakye and a fine free kick from Sharman make it seven league wins in a row.

That's now 7 goals in 3 games for the striker from Ghana.

Bedford enter November top of the league by a single point. This is starting to remind me of my first two seasons with MK Dons by finishing 7th and then win the title... fingers crossed.
I also scoop the manager of the month award while defender Ledgister gets player of the month.

NOVEMBER

BEDFORD 0-0 Cambridge
Both sides had a chance to win this from the penalty spot but neither team did.

Rushden 3-5 BEDFORD
Bedford return to winning ways with anther hat-trick from Boakye and one each from Sharman and Rayner. Boakye ruled out for 2 weeks though with a damaged elbow.

BEDFORD 1-1 Scunthorpe ----- FA Cup 1st Round
Rigg makes another penalty save in the first few minutes, and it proves vital as a goal from Rayner takes the game to a replay.

First international squad picked. There's a few players who I could pick but are waiting for England to call them up... that's not going to happen lol

Puerto Rico 4-2 T&C ISLANDS ----- Friendly
Why did I take this job? Honestly?
Proctor and Blundell score for us, but we really are poor.

T&C ISLANDS 0-2 Barbados ----- Friendly
Might have to resign sooner than later... no potential, except for the keeper who gets a 9 rating.

Brentford 0-2 BEDFORD
Sharman and Rayner are on target to give Bedford a comfortable away win.

Scunthorpe 2-2 BEDFORD ----- FA Cup Replay
Boakye and Jones put Bedford 2-0 up with 23 minutes to go, before Ledgister is sent off. Scunthorpe fight back to take it to extra time.
Love scores in ET to put us in the lead before we're pegged back to 3-3... it goes to penalties.
Bedford lose 3-4 on penalties. The sending off changed everything.

Not looking forward to December. Six fixtures in 24 days.

Akenatwn - Haha I guessed you liked saying that. No way will I leave Bedford now though as I think promotion is definitely on this season. The long term aim is to get them into the Premier League. Turks and Caicos though... maybe not so long term.

Wednesdayboy · 10-04-08, 08:15 PM

nice game mate, trying to do a underdog season with Redditch at the mo and its going well, check it out, theres also a story to go with it, BTW where are Sheffield Wednesday, plz say there above united lol.

Akenatwn · 10-04-08, 10:58 PM

wow!you scored with turks & caicos...

*Akenatwn after saying the name "Turks & Caicos" once more suddenly understands the deepest meaning of life.And as he's about to share it with the rest of the world,he see's a very good signing for his Kettering side.But as he thought returns to the meaning of life,he can't remember it anymore...Ah,who cares?He's at least free of the need to say "Turks & Caicos"

why resign now?i say wait until you get a better international offer.after all aren't they fun?

nice season with bedford so far.looking really good.what's your position?could you upload your current standings?

keep up the good work mate...

BirdyFC · 11-04-08, 07:55 AM

Wednesday - I will cheeck it out right now

Sheff Wed are 14th in the C'Ship and Sheff Utd are in 16th.. but in the Prem. Sorry about that lol

Akena- Thanks. I think it's because I want to just totally focus on Bedford now. I didn't realise I'd get to love this club as much as I do when I begun. My latest standing is at the bottom of this post.... HUGE update now.

DECEMBER

Accrington 0-3 BEDFORD
Rigg saves yet another penalty as Bedford make a good start to a busy month. Boakye (2) and Jones find the net.

BEDFORD 1-0 Shrewsbury
A single goal from centre back Garner gave Bedford all three points. Bad news though as Boakye ruled out for up to a month.

Swindon 2-1 BEDFORD
Bedford never looked like taking any points from this and rightly didn't. Diaz scoring the only goal for Bedford.

BEDFORD 2-2 Darlington
Rayner scores twice to come back from 2-0 down, but a penalty miss from Stewart means Bedford miss the chance to take three points.

BEDFORD 3-0 Doncaster
Rayner, Diaz and Love score as Bedford return to form with a great win.

Scunthorpe 4-2 BEDFORD
Third placed Scunthorpe stun and destroy leaders Bedford. Love scores twice to give us some dignity.

JANUARY

Walsall 1-1 BEDFORD
Bedford struggle to a poor draw as Rayner nets the only goal for Bedford.

BEDFORD 2-2 Chester
Boakye returns from injury and nets a goal while Love scores the other. Two points in three games... our form is a bit worrying.

BEDFORD 1-1 York
Farrell nets late on to save Bedford a point... this is worrying now.

Northampton 0-1 BEDFORD
Farrell scores only goal of the game to get Bedford back to winning ways.

BEDFORD 2-0 Cheltenham
Stewart and Beresford (pen) are on target as Bedford win the fight between first and second. We go five points clear. Managed to return to form at just the right time.

Leyton Orient 0-3 BEDFORD
Boakye, Russell and Love all score as Bedford secure a comfortable win.

Resigned as Turks & Caicos boss... needed to pick the squad and I couldn't be arsed lol

BEDFORD 2-1 Chesterfield
Bedford end January eleven points clear as Boakye nets two.

Another manager of the month award goes to my cabinet :)

FEBRUARY

Hartlepool 0-3 BEDFORD
Boakye scores twice as Bedford bag their fifth consecutive win. Rayner gets the third goal for Bedford.

BEDFORD 1-0 AFC Wimbledon
Boakye nets the only goal of the game to give Bedford the win. That's his 27th league goal in 22 starts and 4 sub apps. Sadly though, he'll miss next 2-3 weeks with injury.

BEDFORD 0-0 Wycombe
A goal-less game.... should have won though but didn't play brilliantly.

Bournemouth 3-1 BEDFORD
Bedford's unbeaten streak ends with a loss to Bournemouth. Sharman gets the only goal for Bedford.

BEDFORD 4-0 Morecambe
Love scores an amazing four goals to single handedly destroy Morecambe.

MARCH

Yeovil 0-3 BEDFORD
Boakye returns to action with two goals, and Sharman adds a third to pile the misery on Yeovil.

BEDFORD 3-0 Mansfield
Right winger Beresford scores twice as Bedford second another comfortable win. Rayner completes the scoring late on.

Cambridge 0-2 BEDFORD
Boakye nets twice to secure a play-off place at minimum.

BEDFORD 3-0 Rushden
Rayner (2) and Boakye score as Bedford complete an amazing feat...
On 21st March 2026... BEDFORD WIN LEAGUE TWO! We're 18 points ahead of 2nd with 18 points to play for... but we have double their goal difference so it is effectively ours!

Doncaster 2-2 BEDFORD
A weakened Bedford side celebrated their league win by claiming a point when Boakye scored two late goals.

**WozzaWolves** · 14-04-08, 07:34 PM

GET IN BIRDY :D :D :D :D :D :D

LEAGUE 1!!! :P :D

Did you say Wolves are in League 1?

Congratulations on a magnificent season :P Keep us updated on this amazing career!! PLEASE!!

Or i may have no choice but to bite off your penis xD

Akenatwn · 14-04-08, 10:47 PM

Way to go birdy!!!Marvellous season!!!
You won it with so ease...awesome!
GL next season mate...you deserve it...

Wednesdayboy · 15-04-08, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WozzaWolves

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