Barry’s Macauley Southam-Hales earns Football League move to Fleetwood Town
English Football League one side Fleetwood Town have signed Barry Town United’s utility man Macauley Southam-Hales.
Barry Town United are hopeful that Southam-Hales can return to the club until the end of the season on loan. The club had agreed a loan with Fleetwood Town, but a system error caused a problem in the loan back. The club have made an appeal to FIFA, to allow the 22-year-old to return to the Vale of Glamorgan side.
Speaking to FleetwoodTownFC.com, manager Joey Barton said: “Our scouts have watched Macaulay for a while now and after impressing during a trial period at the club we are delighted to bring him in.
“He’s an exciting young player who we are pleased to have with us at Fleetwood Town. He’s enjoyed a good first half of the season in Wales, and the challenge now for him to step up to League One level.
“We look forward to working with him every day and see him develop with us at the club.”
Fleetwood Town who are managed by former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton have fought hard to secure the signature of Southam-Hales, who was in demand from a number of Football League clubs.
He had been linked with moves to Sky Bet Championship sides Aston Villa and Ipswich Town but it is tier three side Fleetwood Town who have secured the services of the right-back.
Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers were also interested, having reportedly had scouts at Welsh Premier League fixtures to track the progress of Southam-Hales.
This season, Southam-Hales has played a total of 21 times in the JD Welsh Premier League, missing just one fixture. He’s scored once and has provided a number of assists from a right wing-back position.
It’s a return to professional football for Macauley Southam-Hales who previously played for Cardiff City’s developmental side.
His first game as a loan player will come against Caernarfon Town this coming Saturday when they travel to the Gwynedd to face Caernarfon Town.
(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)
