'A Shame': Preston star lands Charlton Athletic dig as Nathan Jones slams referee

Charlton Athletic fell to a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon, ending a four match unbeaten run in the Championship.

It was the first time that the Addicks failed to score in a match since the end of August and it was a familiar face who opened the scoring for the hosts. Thierry Small hit the back of the net after 67 minutes before Daniel Jebbison secured all three points with a finish in the 80th minute.

Small spent a season and a half at Charlton Athletic, initially signing a short term contract and then extending his stay for the 2024/25 campaign. The versatile full-back played a big part in helping Nathan Jones’ side to promotion from League One.

Thierry Small reacts to Charlton Athletic boos

The former Everton man had been offered a new deal by the club but turned it down to leave as a free agent and join Preston North End. Since arriving at the club, the 21-year-old has started every Championship match.

Small was on the receiving end of boos and ‘greedy’ chants from the travelling Charlton Athletic fans at Deepdale. Speaking after the match, while he maintained his respect for the London outfits, the defender hinted that he expected something different.

He told the Lancashire Evening Post: “It was a shame, if I'm being honest with you. But I also understand it is football. I've got a lot of time and respect for them. Even though they wanted to boo me and not be nice, should I say, I understand that it's football.

“I understand that they're not happy with me making the decision to leave The Valley but as I said, I've got nothing but time and respect for them and I wish them nothing but the very best in the future.

“If I'm being honest, I didn't really expect to be getting that much abuse. I understand it's part of the game and it's football. I've got a lot of time and respect for Charlton as a club and the fan base, I've got a lot of time for too. Obviously, it didn't really feel nice getting booed but I had to do a job on the pitch. I'm a Preston player now and I love being at Preston. For me, you've got to put all your emotions aside and just get the job done and that's what I've done.

“When I was getting booed, it wasn't really nice because I've got great memories with the club. But, you've got to just take it on the chin, work hard and as I said, I'm a Preston North End player and I've got to do the job for the team and for the club.”

Nathan Jones critical of refereeing decisions

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones was visibly frustrated with refereeing decisions in the match and was booked at full time when he went to confront referee James Linington.

Speaking after the match, Jones said: "They scored the first goal—forget the second, because we were trying to chase the game, changed shape, tried to go after it - but it's always going to be about the first goal. I got let down by a decision of the officials. They then went up the other side and scored, and that's my real disappointment.

When asked about what he said to get the booking, the Welshman added: "Literally didn't say anything to him, but apparently, I'll get clarity on why I've been booked, because I don't know—I didn't say anything.

"I said, I'm going to come in and see you, [with] my arms at my side, no dissent, nothing at all about being booked. It's easy for them to do pretty much what they want. They can cost us a game or make decisions that contribute heavily to us losing, but I'm the one that gets punished—and double punished. So I'll go in and get clarity, because I have no idea why I've been booked."

In other news, 'Forgotten' ex Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace striker ends 17-month hiatus with free transfer.