Bristol Rovers is pleased to confirm the signing of defender Macauley Southam-Hales.
Full-back Southam-Hales moves to The Memorial Stadium from League One side Stockport County, agreeing a two-year contract with the Gas.
A Sky Bet League Two division champion with County, the 29-year-old is Rovers’ third signing of the summer and follows Jack Sparkes and Alfie Kilgour in moving to BS7.
Southam-Hales said: “I’m delighted to get the deal done. I just can’t wait to get going.
“I heard about the interest, and there are some links to Stockport with some of the staff up there who were here. They spoke highly about Bristol Rovers, and I really can’t wait to get going and get down here.
“I met the gaffer and took to him immediately. It was really eye-opening to see the project going on behind the scenes and where the Club wants to go and the ambition and the training facilities.”
I really can’t wait to get going and get down here. I met the gaffer and took to him by storm, really, and I can’t wait to get going.-MACAULEY SOUTHAM-HALES
Head Coach Darrell Clarke welcomed his newest acquisition to Bristol Rovers, highlighting Southam-Hales character and tenacity.
“I am delighted to bring Macauley to Bristol Rovers,” the Head Coach said. “The first thing to say about him is what a genuinely brilliant character he is, who will bring determination, resiliency and an exceptionally high standard to our squad.
“Macauley is also a forward-thinking full-back and has extensive experience across the leagues. I am excited to work with him in the weeks and months to come.”
Director Of Football Ricky Martin said: “Macauley is a top professional and comes with some of the best character references I have ever received from other players and coaches, which speaks to the type of person we are bringing to the Club.
“He is very attack-minded, will look to get on the front foot, and will suit the playing style that we want to implement this season; one that will excite Bristol Rovers supporters.”
Cardiff-born Southam-Hales started his footballing career with his local side as a youngster, working his way through the Bluebirds’ Academy for 12 years before moving to Barry Town.
A transfer to Fleetwood Town followed for the defender in January 2019, with Southam-Hales making his League One debut away to Wycombe Wanderers in the final match of the 2018/19 campaign.
A loan spell to National League side Hartlepool Town followed in January 2020, with the full-back making seven league outings in the curtailed campaign, before signing for Stockport County in September 2020.
Southam-Hales quickly established himself as a first-team regular at Edgeley Park, making 33 appearances in all competitions in his maiden campaign before earning another 33 in the 2021/22 season. He provided nine assists from right-back that campaign, helping the Hatters to win the National League title.
Injury cruelly cut short Southam-Hales first season back in the EFL, limiting him to nine League Two showings, but the defender returned to both fitness and form in 2023/24, playing 21 times as Stockport claimed the division title.
Southam-Hales played 20 times for Stockport in all competitions last season, scoring three goals, and departs County with 123 appearances for the side over five seasons.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers warmly welcomes Macauley to The Memorial Stadium and wishes him every success in his career with the Club.
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