Dave Challinor has moved quickly to secure the services of a
right-back after agreeing a deal to bring Macauley Southam-Hales to the Club on
The 23-year-old has been with Fleetwood since last February
when they paid an undisclosed fee to Welsh Premier League side Barry Town to
take the pacey defender to Highbury.Southam-Hales came through the ranks with Cardiff City where
he was on the books for 12 years before catching the eye during a season and a
half with Barry.Pools boss Challinor has been keen to add fresh faces to his
squad due to several injuries and the departures of Nicke Kabamba and Peter
Kioso so the arrival of Southam-Hales is a big boost.“Macaulay has been in Fleetwood's Under-23s set-up but also in and around the First Team," explained Challinor.
“We're obviously looking to replace Peter Kioso as soon as
possible and he's one of the names that was flagged up – he's very highly-rated
and has been recommended.“He's a good athlete with plenty of pace, much like the
modern day full-back and moving forward that's how we want to play – with our
full-backs pushing high up the pitch but also not forgetting their defensive
responsibilities.“It's great to get him in to the Club and, all things being
equal, I am sure he will be a big hit so he's someone we're looking forward to
working with.”The young defender has been handed squad number 2 and will
go straight in to contention for a debut when Pools host Stockport County in
the National League on Saturday.