Former Port Vale loanee Thierry Small has completed a permanent transfer to fellow relegation-threatened League One side Charlton Athletic, it has been officially confirmed.
The Addicks have made the signing outside of the transfer window which closed for English clubs at 11pm on Thursday night. However, Small has also been announced as a new player despite Charlton’s board having yet to find a successor for Michael Appleton.
Appleton was dismissed last week following a 3-2 defeat at home to Northampton Town which extended the side’s winless run to 12 matches in all competitions. Irishman Curtis Fleming has been placed in charge in the interim.
Nevertheless, signings were still made on deadline day despite the team currently being managerless. Kayne Ramsay joined from League Two outfit Harrogate Town yesterday afternoon, while Small has now been added to the squad.
The English defender has experience in League One, having made eight appearances for Port Vale, including three in England’s third division. However, the 19-year-old was recently with Southampton but was released on deadline day. The teenager’s deal runs until the end of the season but Charlton have the option to extend his stay for a further year.
Speaking to club media at the announcement of his arrival, Small gave supporters a little hint of what to expect from him during the second half of the campaign.
“I’m an explosive player who likes to get at people one-on-one. I’m also very passionate and you’ll see a lot of character and a lot of fight. I’ll give everything I can when I’m on the pitch to make sure the fans get a good performance.”
Meanwhile, Technical Director Andy Scott admitted that Small will strengthen an area that the club were hoping to add to as soon as possible.
“Thierry is a young player that has been at a number of very good clubs and we think that he’s got the talent, the physicality and the mentality to perform at this level.
“With it being a short-term deal, it’s an opportunity for him to prove to us that he’s capable of being with us for longer. He gives us more competition on the left-hand side which is an area that we’ve been looking to add to.”
Writer’s View
This is a very good signing for Charlton Athletic. Small is a player who has moved around a little in his career, having had five clubs in three years so far. However, he does have experience in League One with Port Vale, albeit from just a handful of appearances.
Now, the Addicks need to get a new manager through the door as quickly as possible to ensure that the side are not dragged deeper into an unprecedented relegation battle which is rapidly creeping up on them.
Deputy Head of Writing
