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Thierry Small: The Young Defender Who Chose Development Over Stability at Preston North End By BBC Sport Analyst Thierry Small, the highly-rated 21-year-old wing-back, has firmly placed the focus on personal development following his move to Preston North End (PNE) this summer. The transfer to the Championship side came despite his influential role in securing promotion with his former club, Charlton Athletic, highlighting a career path defined by ambition and seeking out specific management trust. The England youth international completed his switch to Deepdale in July 2025, signing a four-year contract after his deal with Charlton expired. While the Addicks received training compensation, the departure marks a significant moment for both clubs: PNE secure a dynamic, attacking wide player touted for a future at the highest level, while Charlton lose a key component of the squad that recently triumphed in the League One play-off final at Wembley. Small’s choice, stepping away from a newly promoted side where he was a guaranteed starter and PFA Community Champion, underscores a broader trend among talented young English players prioritising the perceived ideal environment for growth. The Championship, often cited as one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, is now seen as the crucial testing ground for players aiming for the Premier League. The Decisive Factor: Managerial Trust A critical element in Small’s decision appears to have been the relationship forged with PNE manager Paul Heckingbottom. Small, speaking on the club’s official podcast shortly after his arrival, detailed the importance of feeling wanted by the coaching staff. "Honestly, before coming here I wanted to come to a team where the manager wants me," Small said. "I think that’s one of the most important things as a player. You want that reassurance that you are actually one of the manager's signings.
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That was a massive thing for me to be honest. I got a really good feel for the manager, the staff. " This emphasis on early trust and communication contrasts with the end of his time at Southampton, where he was involved in multiple loan spells before his permanent move to Charlton. Having broken onto the scene at Everton as the club’s youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 176 days, Small's career has been characterised by high-profile moves and a search for consistent first-team football. Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has expressed his satisfaction with acquiring a player who was highly sought after across the second tier. "Thierry’s someone we were really keen to bring in and I think he's matched our enthusiasm by making the decision to sign," Heckingbottom stated. He described the defender as a player possessing "pace and power" and an eagerness to take on opposing defenders, suggesting a prominent role in PNE's attacking structure. Charlton’s Frustration and Financial Context The move, however, was a source of frustration for Charlton Athletic, who had offered Small an extended contract to keep him at The Valley following their successful promotion campaign. Addicks manager Nathan Jones confirmed the club’s efforts to retain the player: “We wish Thierry all the best. We tried to keep him at the club and offered him a contract, which he turned down. He felt Preston was a better fit for him, so we thank him for his contribution and wish him well.
" The economics of the transfer are typical for a player under the age of 24 moving upon the expiration of his contract, triggering a compensation fee to Charlton, negotiated between the clubs for Small’s development costs. For a League One club rebuilding for a return to the second tier, securing compensation for a key asset, while not ideal, softens the blow of losing him on a free transfer. Trajectory of a High-Potential Talent Small’s journey has been anything but conventional. After his debut under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, he signed for Southampton in 2021, leading to a tribunal ruling over compensation. He subsequently spent time on loan at Port Vale in League One and St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, gaining valuable, if sometimes fragmented, senior experience. It was at Charlton where he truly found consistency, making over 60 appearances across the 2024 and 2025 campaigns and demonstrating his versatility to operate effectively as a traditional left-back, a wing-back, and even further forward on the left flank. His attacking output, particularly in the latter stages of the promotion season, underscored his development into a modern full-back capable of influencing the final third. Small has carried that attacking impetus into his start at Preston, contributing goals and showing the offensive quality that caught the eye of the PNE hierarchy. His positional flexibility provides Heckingbottom with important tactical options. Defining Personal Targets Small is not shy about setting tangible goals for the immediate future. Looking at his contribution targets, he stated: "I want at least 10 GA contributions [goals or assists], all together that would be a decent stepping stone for me—and then we can build on that.
" This measurable ambition is matched by his ultimate career targets, which he views as a marathon of continuous improvement. "For me, the minute you stop improving you can just say, 'Goodbye' really," Small commented. "Even if it is just little things to keep getting better, because one of the biggest aims for me is to play in the Premier League one day. And, play for the senior England team one day. " His continued progression has recently been recognised at international level, earning his first call-up to the England Under-21 side, placing him in the immediate pipeline for senior team consideration, should his club form continue. Outlook The move of Thierry Small to Preston North End is more than just a standard transfer; it represents a calculated gamble on development over immediate comfort. The challenge now for Small is to consistently apply his pace, power, and expressive playing style within the highly competitive and physically demanding environment of the Championship. If he can maintain the form and momentum established during his promotion campaign at Charlton, Small will quickly justify the faith shown by Paul Heckingbottom and continue his trajectory toward the Premier League, keeping his name firmly in the discussions for future senior England selection.
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