A bipolar separator assembly for use with a fuel cell, the bipolar separator assembly comprising: a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments which are transverse to the first and second opposing end segments ; first and second pockets situated adjacent the first and second end segments and extending outward of the first surface , the first and second pockets being configured to allow opposing ends of an anode current collector to be inserted into the respective first and second pockets so as to enclose the opposing ends of the anode current collector ; and third and fourth pockets situated adjacent said third and fourth end segments and extending outward of said second surface , said third and fourth pockets being configured to allow opposing ends of a cathode current collector to be inserted into the respective third and fourth pockets so as to enclose the opposing ends of the cathode current collector ; wherein at least a portion of each of said first, second, third and fourth pockets is formed separately from said plate member and is releasably positioned relative to said plate member; wherein the first end segment of the plate member forms a first portion of the first pocket and the second end segment of the plate member forms a first portion of the second pocket ; a second portion of the first pocket is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably secured to the first end segment of the plate member , and a second portion of the second pocket is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably secured to the second end segment of the plate member . a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments which are transverse to the first and second opposing end segments ; first and second pockets situated adjacent the first and second end segments and extending outward of the first surface , the first and second pockets being configured to allow opposing ends of an anode current collector to be inserted into the respective first and second pockets so as to enclose the opposing ends of the anode current collector ; and third and fourth pockets situated adjacent said third and fourth end segments and extending outward of said second surface , said third and fourth pockets being configured to allow opposing ends of a cathode current collector to be inserted into the respective third and fourth pockets so as to enclose the opposing ends of the cathode current collector ; wherein at least a portion of each of said first, second, third and fourth pockets is formed separately from said plate member and is releasably positioned relative to said plate member; wherein the first end segment of the plate member forms a first portion of the first pocket and the second end segment of the plate member forms a first portion of the second pocket ; a second portion of the first pocket is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably secured to the first end segment of the plate member , and a second portion of the second pocket is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably secured to the second end segment of the plate member . <EOS>