We are delighted to announce that our Genius from Wales, Macauley Southam-Hales has signed a new one-year-deal with the club, extending his stay at Edgeley Park into a fifth season.
Macca is the second-longest serving player at the club behind legendary goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe, having joined County from Fleetwood Town in the Summer of 2020.
The Welshman has made 103 appearances during his time in SK3 so far, playing a key role in two league titles for the club. Despite injuries cutting his season short in 2023/24, he played 24 times for Dave Challinor’s side – including every minute of the record-breaking 12-game winning run that propelled us to the top of the table. In that time, he provided seven assists for his teammates from the right hand side.
An infectious personality on and off the pitch, the 28-year-old is a big part of the dressing room and rightly a fan favourite at Edgeley Park. We are pleased to have extended his stay at the club for another year, as we continue to support him through his recovery from a knee injury sustained in February.
First-Team Manager, Dave Challinor said:
“I said at the time everyone was gutted when Macca picked up his injury, a long-term injury at a point where his contract ended at the end of the season.
“He’s been an integral part of the club and team for the last few years and this contract extension shows an appreciation of that and his value within our group. The club have been great in looking after him and giving him the opportunity to get himself back fit, which could be anywhere up to maybe Christmas.
“We all know what Macca adds though, even when he isn’t playing. He’s a great character and we all know that if he can get fit and back to his levels, not only is he a brilliant profile for us in that position but we also feel he has the attributes and quality to play in League One. He will get all of the support he needs and we all hope that we see him back at his best in the not too distant future.”
Director of Football, Simon Wilson said:
“Our extension with Macca is based on multiple levels. Firstly, when fit we believe he is one of the best around in his position, and he gives the team very specific qualities that are hard to find in the market.
“Secondly, he is such an important person in our group – he makes other players better by energising them, pushing them and bringing them together.
“League football is about 40 gruelling weeks of ups and downs and you need people like Macca around for the challenges on and off the pitch. While he’s had his challenges he’s never made things about him. He works hard to get back and gets others going in the meantime. It’s this attitude of sacrifice that makes us want to repay him with the time and patience he needs right now.”
