Thierry Small wrote his name into the Everton record books when being utilised as a late substitute in an FA Cup-tie v Sheffield Wednesday, in January 2021, by becoming, at 16 years 176 days, their youngest-ever footballer. But he still turned down their offer to turn professional with them when he reached 17 which is how Saints were able to step in. As a muscular, full-back much was expected but for reasons that aren’t clear he never really made the grade. Ralph Hasenhuttl gave him his debut in a FA Cup-tie at Coventry but ignominiously yanked him off at half-time. That was it as far as his Southampton career went. He went on loan to Port Vale and St Mirren but was recalled early from both moves which suggests neither his loanee clubs or Saints were particularly happy with the way things were developing. In Scotland, particularly, his lack of on-field discipline was noticeable especially on one occasion when he managed to get booked twice in 14 seconds. He and Southampton mutually agreed to cancel his contract in January 2024 and the next day he joined Charlton who had just installed Nathan Jones as their manager. After helping them to promotion to the Championship his contract had expired and he moved to Preston.