Southend United have confirmed that striker Macauley Bonne has left the club following the expiry of his contract.
The 29-year-old joined the Shrimpers in September 2024 and went on to make 48 appearances last season, scoring five goals. His contributions helped Kevin Maher’s side reach the National League Promotion Final in June, where they narrowly missed out on returning to the EFL.
Head coach Maher paid tribute to Bonne’s impact both on and off the pitch.
“I’d like to thank Macca for his tremendous contributions last season. He was a valued member of the squad on and off the pitch and everyone at the club wishes him every success in his next chapter.”
Bonne also addressed his departure in an Instagram post, saying he was “gutted” to be leaving but grateful for the memories created during his time at Roots Hall.
Journeyman striker with proven pedigree
Bonne began his career in the Ipswich Town academy before spells with Norwich City and Colchester United, where he made his professional debut in 2013. He enjoyed prolific form at youth level and made an instant impact in senior football, scoring on his 18th birthday against Peterborough United.
Loan spells with Lincoln City and Woking followed before a move to Leyton Orient in 2017 sparked the most productive spell of his career. Across two seasons, Bonne hit 45 goals, earning a £200,000 switch to Charlton Athletic in 2019.
Subsequent moves included Queens Park Rangers, a loan spell at boyhood club Ipswich Town, and returns to Charlton and Gillingham, the latter followed by a loan stint at Cambridge United. He signed for Southend after leaving Priestfield last summer.
International experience
Eligible for both England and Zimbabwe, Bonne made his senior international debut for the latter in 2014, scoring in a friendly against Morocco. Although his appearances were limited by call-up withdrawals and administrative issues, he returned to the Zimbabwe national team in 2024, finding the net in the Four Nations Football Tournament.
Writer’s View
While his goal return at Southend was modest, Bonne’s experience, work rate and presence in the dressing room were clear assets during a promotion-chasing campaign. At 29, he still has plenty to offer at National League or EFL level, and his track record suggests he can be a valuable addition for a club seeking a proven, hard-working forward.
For Southend, replacing him will be another challenge in what is already shaping up to be a pivotal summer.
