Charlton Athletic option on Thierry Small’s contract looking likely to be activated

Charlton Athletic have an option to extend Thierry Small’s contract until the end of the 2024-25 season – with manager Nathan Jones telling our paper that he has been very happy with the defender’s impact.

The Addicks signed the 19-year-old on February 2 after he was released by Southampton before the end of the winter transfer window, allowing him to make a free agent transfer after the deadline expired.

Small was on the books of Everton as a youngster but turned down a professional deal there to join the Saints for a fee determined by tribunal.

He scored on his Charlton debut – a 3-3 draw at Bolton Wanderers – and assisted Alfie May for his late goal to seal a 3-1 win at Cheltenham in midweek.

Asked if he expected the club to take up their option on Small, Jones told the South London Press: “What we won’t do is get rid of good players. We’ll protect good players – if Thierry falls into that then Thierry will be looked after.

“I’ve been really pleased (with his impact so far). Obviously I know Thierry from Southampton.

“He had a bit of a tough time – a big-money move as a teenager when he came to Southampton. Sometimes you have a little bit of a plateau before you can go again. We hope that is it for Thierry.

“He is a great kid – a fantastic athlete. He needs some polishing around the edges – but so do most teenagers. We have to respect he is still very, very young. But I’ve been really pleased with him.

“Thierry is one of 20-odd players that have just given me everything and opened up their mentality. They have worked hard and had a great attitude every single day. That has made it a positive environment and why we have been getting the performances we are.

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS