Nathan Jones: Charlton Athletic move was a huge catalyst for Thierry Small's career

Addicks boss has his say on wing-back's summer move to Preston North End after knocking back contract extension in SE7

Nathan Jones has spoken about Thierry Small’s decision to leave Charlton Athletic in the summer to sign for Saturday’s opponents Preston North End.

And the Welshman reckons that anyone who does not believe that the 21-year-old’s career was revitalised under his tutelage is “absolutely berserk”.

Small was 19 and had just agreed a mutual termination of his Southampton contract when he signed a short-term deal with the Addicks in February 2024.

Charlton’s hierarchy wanted to secure him on a longer contract before that campaign finished but had to settle instead of activating a 12-month extension clause written into his initial agreement.

Picture: Alamy

Small played 62 matches for the south London club, scoring three goals and collecting seven assists.