A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.
Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.
The club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.
He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.
His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.
McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.
He said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.
“We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.
“I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.
“By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.
“I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”
The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.
The pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.
McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.
He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”
He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.
He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.
“If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”
The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.
It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.
The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.
Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.
He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.
He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.
“This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.
“I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.
“However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”
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