Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of Macauley Southam-Hales, their third addition of the summer transfer windowMacauley Southam-Hales is Bristol Rovers’ third signing of the summer(Image: Bristol Rovers FC)

Macauley Southam-Hales has admitted that recommendations from staff at Stockport County as well as Bristol Rovers’ “ambition” played a part in his move to BS7 after he was confirmed as the Gas’ third addition of the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Darrell Clarke’s side after completing a permanent move to the Mem from Stockport where he played 20 times in all competitions last season.

Although the move sees the former right-sided defender drop down a division into League Two, his decision was made simple when he spoke to both Clarke and one or two former members of Gas’ staff now plying their trade at Edgeley Park.

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Speaking to Rovers’ club media about the move, the full-back 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.”

Rovers didn’t make a single addition to their first team ranks in the first stage of the summer transfer window which allowed clubs to trade ahead of the Club World Cup. However, since the window reopened last week, Clarke’s side have signed three players.

Jack Sparkes was the first through the door at The Quarters, completing a permanent move from Peterborough United while the Gas confirmed the return of Alfie Kilgour earlier on Wednesday. The defender, who came through Rovers’ youth ranks, has also put pen to paper on a two-year deal, two-and-a-half years after he initially left north Bristol to join Mansfield Town.

While it may have taken a little bit longer than some fans would have hoped, Clarke is beginning to put his own stamp on the playing squad in BS7. Although the way in which the new additions perform on the pitch remains crucial, how they operate off it also appears to have been key to the Gas’ recruitment.

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On his latest addition, Clarke said: “I am delighted to bring Macauley to Bristol Rovers. 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 added: “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.”

The Rovers squad have returned to The Quarters for pre-season this week ahead of their first friendly fixture against Chippenham Town in under two weeks’ time. The Gas will also play Southam-Hales’ former side Stockport during their preperation for the new season.

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