Ryan Blake signed for Bedford on Saturday 24th June 2023. The then 32 year old forward is also comfortable playing as a winger.

Ryan started his career at Hemel Hempstead Town in 2009 and remained there for three seasons, before having spells with Aylesbury FC, Beaconsfield SYCOB, Burnham, and Hayes & Yeading. His break through season came in 2014/15, when he joined Chesham United and made 47 appearances scoring 20 goals. Over the next five seasons, he went on to make over 200 appearances for Chesham, with a spell at Enfield Town in the middle of that time too.

In 2019, Blake left Chesham and joined Thame United. He spent three successful years there, scoring 40 goals in 87 appearances, including goals against the Eagles. His success continued last season, joining Berkhamsted, making 44 appearances and contributing 22 goals in their championship winning season. Ryan was also part of the FA Sunday Cup Final win at Pride Park for Luton St Joseph's, scoring the winning goal and setting up his now team mate again at the Eagles, Adam Watkins for another.

Speaking to www.bedfordeagles.net after Blake's signing, director Jon Taylor and Manager Lee Bircham said jointly, "This is a massive coup for the club, with many step three and four clubs after his signature. We are obviously thrilled to have a player of Ryan's calibre and quality. He has so much strength and pace, and with his low centre of gravity, he is a player who is very hard to knock off the ball. With his direct running and clever movement, we are very confident that he will deliver scoring opportunities and also provide many assists for the team".

The pair continued, "Ryan's scoring prowess and goal per game ratio speaks for itself. He will be a thorn in the side for all the opposition defences at step four this season, with his pace causing havoc. Again, along with the other signings we have made, shows the club's intention moving forward and proves that we want to bring success back to the Eyrie".

Blakey is kindly sponsored by D&G Noble Ltd for the 2023/24 season.

August 2024

Mon, 26 August

Bedford Town FC

Bishop's Stortford

The Pitching In Southern League - Premier Central