Bedford Town Football Club can confirm that Connor Tomlinson has left the club. The 22 year old attacking player has completed a transfer to PitchingIn Southern League Premier Central side Nuneaton Borough.

The club received notification of Boro's wish to approach Connor a couple of weeks ago. Since then, they have made an offer which triggers a release clause put in Connor's contract when he signed in the summer of 2022.

The board of Bedford Town are obviously disappointed that Connor will be leaving the Eyrie. However, we understand and fully support his decision to play step three football, as he continues to play at the highest possible level he can.

Tomlinson featuring at The Eyrie in an Eagles 4-1 win vs. North Leigh on 10th October 2020

Tomlinson signed for the Eagles in the summer of 2019, following his release from Luton Town. Throughout his time at the Eyrie, he went on to make 141 appearances, scoring 44 goals during that time. He won the Southern League Division One Central title, linking up with Rene Howe contributing over 50 goals between them that season.

Speaking to www.bedfordeagles.net, director Jon Taylor commented, "I would like to personally thank Connor for his contribution to the Club over the last four years. His commitment and enthusiasm has been outstanding as an Eagles player. As we can all see, his goal scoring record speaks for itself and has contributed to his move to a higher level. I think this is a good opportunity for Connor to move on to pastures new and this will give him a purpose or lift to ignite his career again and possibly put himself in the shop window."

Connor Tomlinson pre-match vs. Stourbridge Saturday 1st October 2022

Taylor continued, "On behalf of myself and the board, it has been a pleasure working alongside him and I know he will still have a very strong bond and affiliation to the club, which bodes well for the future. It is great to see him want to improve and learn the trade in a different environment, which, with his qualities will help him develop and hopefully become a better all round, polished player. We all want to see him succeed and we are excited to see what the future holds for him."

New Manager Lee Bircham fully understands the reason why Connor has moved on, and having had conversations with Connor is in favour of the move. "All Eagles supporters, I am sure, will be happy watching his career blossom. We all thank you Connor for your loyalty, support and contribution in the time you were an Eagles player."

Connor spoke to www.bedfordeagles.net stating, "I was looking forward to trying to get back up with Bedford and with Lee. I still had another year left on my contract. But when the move came up, you think - it's right for me to go. I've been here four years and I’ve made some great friends here. Everyone from Jon, the staff, the fans, they’ve supported me so well. I want to thank them for that. Playing in a match on Saturday and seeing 20-30 kids that I teach on a Saturday morning, you get that buzz out of it".

Tomlinson continued, "I’ll still be round the club and I’ll be running my football camps and promoting Bedford Town Youth Development. I’ll keep making teams through Saturday morning Mini Soccer, because they enjoy it just as well as I do. There are kids that I’ve taught and mentored for three or four years. Bedford were brilliant for me when I left Luton. They really started this off for me, being here since I was a young kid.".

Everyone at the Eyrie thanks Connor for his commitment and time with the club, and wish him all the best for the future. He will remain involved with the youth on his soccer camps, mini soccer and one to one sessions, so will continue to be a familiar face to you all.