Lincoln City have lost their battle to sign Macauley Southam-Hales as a winner has emerged in the chase to sign the 29-year-old.
The Imps were one of three sides interested in signing the former Stockport County player who left Edgeley Park this summer. Alongside Bristol Rovers and Wigan Athletic, Lincoln had tabled an offer to the Welsh international earlier this week.
Rovers Win Battle
According to a report from Football League World, it has emerged that Bristol Rovers have beaten their opponents to sign Southam-Hales, with the League Two side agreeing terms with the former Fleetwood Town player. Darrell Clarke’s side were relegated last season under Inigo Calderon, but have made early business to reinforce their flanks, having also signed Jack Sparkes from Peterborough United.
The Gas have lacked depth in the position across last season, with centre-back Taylor Moore playing right wing-back for portions of the season. It was a position that Rovers had strengthened last summer whilst managed by Matt Taylor when Joel Senior arrived from Morecambe on a free transfer. The 26-year-old only managed to play 20 times in his debut season, and struggled for minutes heading into the second half of the campaign.
Southam-Hales himself has struggled for minutes and fitness across recent seasons, only playing 17 times across all competitions last season. He is a two-time promotion winner with Stockport, including clinching the League Two title in 2024.
Writers’ View
This is a good move for Bristol Rovers heading into League Two. Macauley Southam-Hales and Joel Senior, alongside existing choice Jack Hunt will mean The Gas are well stocked in the position and with any injuries, they should have the cover within the squad. A very popular figure at Stockport, the 29-year-old can provide a lot of leadership within the squad. For the League One sides in Lincoln City and Wigan Athletic, this may not be much of a blow considering his fitness issues across the past few years, and will surely be able to find alternatives within the market. Tendayi Darikwa was an extremely consistent and reliable performer for The Imps at right-back, so Michael Skubala’s side will want to find support for him, perhaps similar to Southam-Hales.
