Ross County striker Ronan Hale has completed a permanent transfer to Gillingham, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the English League One club for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old Northern Ireland international departs the Staggies after just one season in Dingwall.
What did Hale achieve at Ross County?
Hale joined Ross County from Cliftonville in the summer of 2024 and quickly made an impact, netting 18 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign. His prolific form earned him a call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad, where he made his international debut in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Belfast last June. Next fixture: vs Peterhead (at home, 2026-11-07).
Why does this transfer matter for the Staggies?
Losing a player of Hale’s caliber is a significant blow for Ross County, who relied on his attacking contributions in the Scottish Championship. His departure leaves a gap in the squad that manager Malky Mackay will need to address as the Staggies prepare for the challenges ahead.
What’s next for Hale at Gillingham?
The striker has expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "It's the place I want to be to play my football and I can't wait to get started." Gillingham also hold an option to extend his deal by a further year until the summer of 2028, indicating their long-term faith in his abilities.
