As soon as Macauley Southam-Hales saw the project planned at Bristol Rovers, the Gas was the only option for him.
After five seasons at Stockport County, where Southam-Hales achieved two promotions to help the Hatters move from the National League to EFL League One Play-Offs, it was imperative that the next step in his career was the right one.
The 29-year-old is Rovers’ third addition of the summer transfer window, following Jack Sparkes and Alfie Kilgour through the door, with Southam-Hales admitting the ambition at the Pirates drove his decision to move to BS7 in his first interview with BRTV.
Registering ten assists in his 30 appearances in Sky Bet League Two, the exciting right-back is keen to add a third promotion to his resume and cannot wait to make an impact in the dressing room and on the pitch...
Macauley, welcome to Bristol Rovers. How does it feel to be here?
"I’m delighted to get the deal done. I just can’t wait to get going and really show myself and show what I’m about to the Club."
What made you want to join Bristol Rovers?
"As soon as I heard the interest, there are some links to Stockport with some of the staff up there who were here. They spoke highly about it straight away, and 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."
You talked about the gaffer there. What were the conversations with Darrell Clarke like?
"They were really good. 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. The gaffer as a man is a great guy and Ricky Martin as well."
You had been at Stockport for quite a few seasons – how important was it that your next step was the right one?
"It was massive. I had five seasons at Stockport with success. So, if I can bring that here, that would be amazing and good for the fans as well."
You had two promotions in that time. How important do you think the experience will be for the group?
"It's massive from a personal point, but if I can bring any of that experience of doing that to this Club which has had that experience before then that would be amazing and a dream to really get this Club back where it belongs."
What personality do you think you’ll be able to bring to the dressing room?
"Quite a bubbly personality and quite loud. I’ve always been known as a joker and a character. So, if I can bring some of that to the dressing room and make this a good place to come into every day, then that’s the goal."
How would you describe your playing style?
"I’m athletic, a runner, like to put the ball in the box, and I’m not shy of a tackle here and there. Just a lot of energy and an athlete."
Going into pre-season, how much are you looking forward to meeting your new teammates?
"It’s a good group here. So, I can’t wait to come in and put my stamp on them and see who takes to me because I can be a bit much, but I should be fine."
What are your ambitions for the upcoming campaign?
"My personal ambition is to get as many games as I can under my belt and help the team in any way to get the end goal of promotion and get this Club back to League One."
You would have played Bristol Rovers quite a few times at The Mem – what do you make of the atmosphere?
"It’s a great atmosphere. Obviously, the crowd is really enthusiastic, and it has a real home feel about it. If you can get them behind you every week, then they are a real twelfth man and should push us on to get what we want."
Have you got a message for the Gasheads going into the new campaign?
"You hit me with one there. I didn’t expect that one. We need you on the journey. This Club wants to get back to where it needs to be, and this is the first step. Hopefully, we will get that done this season, and we will need them every step of the way."
