Charlton Athletic offer long-term contract to Thierry Small – and will trigger clause if deal isn’t agreed

Charlton Athletic technical director Andy Scott has confirmed to the South London Press that Thierry Small has been offered a “long-term” contract.

The former Everton and Southampton defender, 19, signed for the Addicks at the start of February on a deal until the end of the campaign.

But Charlton also included a clause giving them the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

And Scott, as part of sitdown interview with our paper earlier this week, confirmed that the League One club have no intention of losing the former England U18 international.

He told the South London Press: “I’ve had a couple of conversations with his agents and we’ve made him a new offer, a long-term deal that he and his agents are considering.

“If that doesn’t happen by the time we need to activate the option then we will activate it and continue those negotiations.

“Thierry will definitely be here next season and we’re delighted about that because he’s a fantastic person. We’re hopeful he will be here for a very long time. We’ve made him a contract offer that will enable him to have the time to settle down at a club – learn and improve.

“He’s still only 19. People forget because he’s had a little of attention from a very young age but he is still only 19 and learning. He has a lot of ability and potential which we’re confident our staff can get the most out of him.

“We’re trying to secure him for as long as we can so that we’re the ones who benefit from it.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS