Online Reporter
EXPERIENCED Zimbabwean striker Macauley Bonne has left Southend United following the expiry of his contract.
The 29-year-old former Leyton Orient, Charlton, QPR and Gillingham player scored five goals for the Shrimpers last season to help them reach the National League play-off final.
He has since taken to Instagram to discuss his departure, writing: “So my time at Southend has come to an end.
“I’m gutted to be leaving the club but that’s football. I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future and thank you for some unforgettable memories.”
Bonne joined Kevin Maher’s last summer following his release from Gillingham, but he was not offered a new deal at Roots Hall this summer.
The Ipswich-born attacker spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Town from QPR, where he netted 12 times in 46 games during his spell at Portman Road.
Bonne began his career in the Ipswich Town academy before spells with Norwich
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City and Colchester United, where he made his professional debut in 2013. He enjoyed prolific form at youth level and made an instant impact in senior football, scoring on his 18th birthday against Peterborough United.
Loan spells with Lincoln City and Woking followed before a move to Leyton Orient in 2017 sparked the most productive spell of his career. Across two seasons, Bonne hit 45 goals, earning a £200,000 switch to Charlton Athletic in 2019.
Subsequent moves included Queens Park Rangers, a loan spell at boyhood club Ipswich Town, and returns to Charlton and Gillingham, the latter followed by a loan stint at Cambridge United. He signed for Southend after leaving Priestfield last summer.
After joining in September 2024, Bonne made 48 appearances last season scoring five goals to help the club reach the National League Promotion Final in June.
Head coach Kevin Maher said:
“I’d like to thank Macca for his tremendous contributions last season. He was a valued member of the squad on and off the pitch and everyone at the club wishes him every success in his next chapter.” -Sports Reporter/Agencies
