Lobjoit leaves Bedford over travel concerns

Leon Lobjoit scored 48 league goals in total for Bedford Town

Striker Leon Lobjoit has left Bedford Town because work commitments mean he cannot commit to the extra travelling involved following promotion.

The 30-year-old scored 27 goals for Bedford as they completed consecutive promotions to earn a place in National League North.

He was on the books of clubs including QPR, Coventry City and Northampton Town earlier in his career before dropping into non-league football.

Lobjoit made headlines in October last year when he scored a hat-trick in his first Southern League Premier Central game following the funeral of his baby daughter Marnie, who died when she was just a few days old.

"The fans, staff and players are great, supported me through the hardest time of my life and we will never forget that," he said in a statement on X.

"It's been a tough decision to make but due to my new job commitments, I just couldn't commit to all the travelling next season.

"I wish you all the best, forever thankful, what a club."

The club responded by posting: "After an unforgettable two seasons, you'll forever be remembered by all connected with Bedford Town Football Club. Thank you for everything Leon Lobjoit."

Their promotion to the second tier of non-league football came despite manager Lee Bircham saying in January that they could not compete financially at Southern League Premier level while a possible merger with Real Bedford - which later collapsed - was under discussion.

Since they went up, they have made six signings, the latest fromer Cambridge United defender Greg Taylor, who has played over 250 games in the English Football League.