A crypto mogul and the bitter battle to merge Bedford's clubs

The plans of Real Bedford's 'anarchist' owner are causing uproar among Bedford Town fans who fear for the future

- Ben Bloom

In the shadow of one of the UK's largest abattoirs, a heady concoction of anger and apprehension hangs uneasily as a warning is delivered to those who fear their football club's fate echoing that of the animals over the road.

"I fully appreciate there is a lot of passion running around the room tonight," announces the evening's master of ceremonies. "If there is any personal abuse, anything that is not tolerated, you will be warned, and we do have Tony and the team here to remove you if necessary."

Standing by the entrance door two burly men in black overalls and security armbands give a nod. "Please remember to keep yourself dignified," reiterates the host.

With every seat occupied inside the Bedford Town clubhouse, supporters line the walls, seeking answers at this specially arranged fans' forum. Most are regulars, some for decades, colouring the room with the club's distinctive royal blue as a pointedly outward display of devotion.

Scattered among them are a handful of Real Bedford diehards, identifiable by the club's yellow and black paraphernalia on this foray across enemy lines.

Given the animosity between the two clubs' supporters, on any other occasion the interlopers might be described as brave or foolish. But tonight foes have been brought together to hear the prospect of not only becoming friends but being adopted into the same family; two football clubs - unthinkably, in the eyes of many in attendance - merging into one, an initiative driven by Real Bedford's co-owner and chair, Peter McCormack.