Football features

EXCITING prospect Thierry Small will be continuing his football education on the South Coast.The promising left-back, 17, has put pen to paper on a deal with Southampton, after interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Thierry Small has been unveiled as a Southampton player, after interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and JuventusCredit: Getty
His uncle Bryan Small came through the ranks at Aston VillaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Last season, Small became Everton’s youngest ever player when he appeared in a FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday aged just at 16 years and 176 days old.
It was the defender’s destiny that he would become a footballer.
After all, his uncle was Bryan Small, who played for Aston Villa in the 1990s.
BORN IN THE MIDLANDS
Thierry was born and raised in Solihull.
He grew up playing Sunday League, before he was scouted by Villa – and it appeared he would follow in his uncle’s footsteps.
However, he wasn’t deemed good enough yet and ended up at rivals West Brom.
“I was playing for my local team when Aston Villa approached me and offered me to train,” he told OneFootball.
“But after having my trial they didn’t take me on, they said I wasn’t good enough technically. So West Brom came in for me – who instead looked to utilise my pace and strength.
“They felt they could teach me the technical side later on. Soon after West Brom came in, Villa wanted me back and Birmingham City too, but I’d already committed.”
MERSEYSIDE CALLING
At 11, Small’s progression was tracked by Everton – who were reportedly said to have followed him for two years.
It meant that he had to leave his family home behind and move away – the sacrifice of wanting to achieve his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.
He revealed: “Of course, it was a very hard decision for me and my family [to leave home at such a young age].
“But we thought you only get one chance at this – it was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.
“There was great schooling on offer, a great chance to improve myself as a footballer and Everton are known for their academy and developing players.”
When he was 11, Small left home to chase his dream of becoming a footballer
Thierry jumped at Everton’s offer and progressed through the ranksCredit: Getty
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Without his parents by his side, Small could’ve struggled.
But he knew what he had to do and treated the experience like having a job.
“I had to go to school, go to football, wake up early, finish late at training, it was almost like a job,” he said.
“But I was still enjoying it and I was absolutely ready for that sacrifice.
“There were hard days and difficult moments, I had to deal with those myself. But it helped me to mature and grow as a person – probably a lot quicker than most others.”
Because of his parents’ belief behind him, Small is thankful they let him follow his dream.
“My family have played a huge role in my success. They keep me grounded, keep me level-headed, but I’m well aware it’s been difficult for everyone.
“I’ve obviously lost a big support network in my parents but also for them, they lose their child in a way. Their lives have totally changed because of my situation.
“People used to ask my mum ‘don’t you think it’s a bit early for Thierry to leave home?’ and that got to her.
Despite the hardship of being away from his family home, Small was determined to become a successCredit: Rex
Small is thankful for the support of his parentsCredit: Getty
“It’s normal to doubt yourself, to think if you made the right decision.
“But that’s why I’m so grateful to her for giving me the opportunity.”
DEBUTANT
However, any doubts would’ve been completely quashed on January 24, 2001, when Small made his debut for the Toffees.
He began on the bench, before he got a call from Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant Duncan Ferguson that he would be making his bow against the Owls in the cup.
“I was so nervous on the bench,” he said.
“One minute I’d be really excited and be desperate to get on the pitch and the next, I had butterflies in my stomach.
“But when Dunc [Duncan Ferguson] told me to warm up and said ‘you’re coming on’ – I was absolutely buzzing. Ancelotti even called me over and said ‘you’ve still got time to score a goal’ which would’ve been a special moment.”
TURNING FOR ADVICE
Interestingly, Thierry found out 48 hours before the game that he would be in the matchday squad.
The first person he rang for advice was his uncle, Bryan who played more than 30 times for Villa in the top flight.
“He told me to keep things simple, to just express myself and be calm,” Thierry divulged.
At the age of just 16 years and 176 days old, Small made his debut for EvertonCredit: PA
Small broke a record to become Everton’s youngest ever player with his appearance against Sheffield Wednesday last seasonCredit: PA

“Hopefully there will be many more opportunities but I have to keep working hard on the training pitch.
“That is where I can keep improving and the most important thing is to be consistent.”
Now, with the help of Ralph Hasenhüttl and uncle Bryan expect Thierry to fly – just like he does down that left flank.
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THE skeptics might argue third strips are a money-making exercise.However, these abominations would certainly make you think twice about parting with your cash, even if you’re the most loyal supporter.
Manchester City’s new third kit is being slated by football fans
Ajax have just released their Bob Marley-inspired third to fanfare among their supportersCredit: AFC Ajax
Manchester City recently caused a commotion online when they revealed their brand new third kit for this season.
The Puma-designed top was ridiculed by fans who dubbed it the “worst third kit ever”.
Ajax, though, appear to have drawn favour with their followers with a Bob Marley-inspired top that salutes their Three Little Birds chant.
Here’s the best and worst third kits we’ve seen.
THE WORST
Man Utd, 1992-93
The Red Devils went traditional to their Newton Heath roots with this kit.
When they were formed under that name in 1878, they wore green and gold colours split down the middle on their shirts.
But, for some ridiculous reason when it came to promo time, players and even Sir Alex Ferguson decided to sport fake moustaches – as a nod to the style of that era.
This gold and green number was a throwback to United’s days as Newton Heath
Liverpool, 2012-13
The Reds went completely against the grain with their third strip of the 2012-13 season that even Luis Suarez couldn’t pull off.
Made by Warrior Sports, the purple and orange combo was certainly a sight for sore eyes.
Before City’s latest, it was certainly a contender for worst ever.
Purple and orange was never Liverpool’s colour
Tottenham, 2006-07
Brown is not a colour you’d want to associate with your team, for obvious reasons.
But Spurs opted for a ‘chocolate’ jersey with gold stripes.
In fairness, it was an ode to the first top they ever wore in a match against Royal Artillery in 1890. But still…
Spurs’ chocolate strip was hardly edible or easy on the eye
Chelsea, 2020-21
Thankfully for the Blues, 2020-21 happened to be a good year for the West Londoners, even if this kit looked like struggling London rivals Crystal Palace.
When it was first leaked, Chelsea fans were up in arms on Twitter.
However, after the first few months of the season when they were unbeaten in their first four games wearing it they soon changed their tune.
Is it Crystal Palace in disguise?
Man City, 2020-21
You’d have thought City would have learned from last season’s effort.
In the previous campaign they wore a jersey inspired by the ‘Madchester’ baggy scene, with Manchester recognised as an epicentre for culture and music.
But it ended up looking more like a paisley set of curtains from the 1970s or something Liam Gallagher’s former fashion label Pretty Green would have peddled out.
Man City’s third kit from last season wasn’t pretty either
THE BEST
Roma, 2019-20
When it comes to stylish football kits, the Italians usually get it right.
Roma went vintage in 2019-20 with a nod to their 90s shirt done brilliantly by Nike.
The classic Roma crest or the “Lupetto” (wolf’s head) is featured on a dark blue body that screams class.
Roma were style kings with this vintage kit worn during the 2019-20 season
Man Utd, 1993-94
Black kits are usually difficult to pull off, without making them look really boring.
United managed to look cool though for the 1993-94 season, probably thanks to the gold and blue trim.
Iconic kits are also remembered because of the brilliant players that wore them. Eric Cantona donned this shirt, so enough said really.
Umbro managed to make United’s black third kit from 1993-94 look interesting
Arsenal, 2021-22
While the Gunners might look in disarray on the pitch, at least they look stylish at the same time.
Last week, in the abysmal defeat to Brentford, they debuted the new third kit with a blue zig zag pattern.
On the collar is a brilliant ‘Arsenal For Everyone’ logo to celebrate their diverse fan base.
It’s a throwback top to when Dennis Bergkamp used to grace Highbury… how they wish they could have a player like him today.
Arsenal’s third kit is a throwback to a 90s jersey worn by legend Dennis Bergkamp
PSG, 2018-19
It was the first batch from their collaboration with Nike Air Jordan, and arguably their best.
The black shirt featured a thin silver strike through the middle of it.
Of course, the Jordan logo makes it look even cooler. Not just one of the best third kits, but one of the best kits ever.
PSG’s first collaboration with Nike Air Jordan is still one of their best kits ever
Real Madrid, 2014-15
Kit historians will argue that if it wasn’t for this kit, we wouldn’t have got inspired collabs that are popular today, like the Air Jordan x PSG range.

For 2014-15, Gareth Bale and Co wore a fetching strip designed by famed designer Yohji Yamamoto.
A smart button collar with white trim, a dragon print across the front, it was a jersey fit for the then European Champions.
If you’ve got one, you have a collector’s item. Online sellers are flogging them for around £350.
Yohji Yamamoto designed Real Madrid’s ace third kit for the 2014-15 season
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AS the transfer window hots up and comes to a close, many football clubs are throwing cash around to land their targets.But it hasn’t always been money that has traded hands for top talent.
Jack Grealish may have cost Manchester City £100m, but not all players were bought with cashCredit: Getty
No, we’ve seen crisps, chocolate and even an iron used as currency in a deal between teams.
So, forget your £100million Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish, these are the weirdest transfer payments EVER.
IAN WRIGHT
The BBC pundit may have moved to Arsenal for £2.5million in 1991, a club record fee at that time for the North Londoners, it wasn’t always glam for Wrighty.
He began his professional career with Crystal Palace, famously scoring twice against Manchester United in an FA Cup final.
The Eagles didn’t have to work too hard to persuade his non-league club Greenwich Borough to sign him.
A set of dumbbells were handed over (hopefully with two hands) and the deal was struck.
Crystal Palace gave Ian Wright’s old club Greenwich Borough some dumbbells to secure his servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
FRANCO DI SANTO
The ex-Chelsea striker is perhaps best known for being a failed No9 for the Blues.
But when he was a promising youngster cash-strapped Chilean side Audax Italiano were desperate to add Di Santo to their ranks.
How did they buy him? They gave his local team two goal nets and 40 litres of paint to jazz up their home ground.
Franco Di Santo, who played for Chelsea and Wigan, once cost one of his old clubs two goal nets and 40 litres of paintCredit: Action Images – Reuters
GIULIANO GRAZIOLI
Grazioli is best known for his FA Cup heroics for Stevenage against Newcastle – scoring an equaliser to force a replay in 1998.
He originally started his career with Peterborough, before joining Borough on loan.
The non-league needed a sweetener to seal that deal. They found it in the form of a “Mars bar and three packets of crisps”, according to boss Paul Fairclough.
Giuliano Grazioli famous cost Stevenage a Mars bar and three packets of crispsCredit: PA:Press Association
TONY CASCARINO
The former Republic of Ireland striker, now talkSPORT presenter, didn’t have the most glamorous starts to his football career – turning out for Crockenhill in the 1980s.
However, Gillingham thought he’d make a decent centre forward for them and were willing to do anything it took to get their main.
That included buying Crockenhill a new kit, as well as some corrugated iron to fix up their ground.
Tony Cascarino, playing here for Gillingham, was signed by The Gills from Crockenhill in exchange for a new kit and some corrugated ironCredit: Rex Features
ERNIE BLENKINSOP
You’d be forgiven for not recognising Blenkinsop’s name.
He played in the England side from the late 20s to early 30s, and won the old First Division with Sheffield Wednesday twice.
Ernie started his career in the most bizarre fashion, though, when Hull signed him from Cudworth Village for £100, as well as a barrel of beer.
Imagine trying to get that deal past Arsene Wenger?
Ernie Blenkinsop and his team-mates would’ve enjoyed a bevvy or two after his transfer from Cudoworth Village with a barrel of beer included in the dealCredit: PA
HUGH MCLENAHAN
We all scream for ice cream. Well, at least that’s what Stockport did.
Before Manchester United were really minted, they had to be more creative in the transfer market.
And that’s where assistant manager, and part-time ice cream business owner, Louis Rocca came in.
In 1927, the Red Devils donated three fridge freezers to County for a fundraiser. In return, they got Hugh McLenahan.
Man Utd donated three fridge freezers to Stockport County for a fundraiser to sign Hugh McLenahanCredit: Rex
COLLINS JOHN
This Dutch striker had a decent stint at Fulham in the Premier League, after the club bought him from FC Twente.

But Collins John began his youth career at DES Nijverdal, who were very much a local community club.
Twente came in for him in 2002, and they must’ve been well read at this point.
After all, it wasn’t money that was paid for John’s services… it was encyclopedias which were donated to a local school.
Encyclopedias were donated to a local school so Twente could sign Collins JohnCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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IT’s the cryptocurrency that’s sweeping the football landscape.Socios is a platform that allows sports fans to buy into their favourite club and potentially shape their future.
Arsenal are one of the clubs who have signed up to the Socios schemeCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
As part of his contract with PSG, Messi was paid in fan tokensCredit: Getty
By buying fan tokens at £2 a pop, you can have say on matters like stadium names, or what song could be played as your team’s entrance music.
Already, the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester City and PSG have jumped on board with the craze.
The latter included some payment with the tokens in Lionel Messi’s massive £25million-per-year deal with the French giants.
This season, defending Serie A champions Inter will have their own fan tokens sponsoring their famous blue and black shirts.
So, what made the world’s biggest sports teams embrace the blockchain technology?
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
How fan tokens benefit the clubs that are sold by Socios boils down to money.
After the coronavirus pandemic stripped many of the world’s most famous teams’ finances, avenues of making back lost revenue have never been more important.
Socios split the proceeds 50/50. So for every token costing £2, the club gets £1. And you can buy more than one token.
Since its launch in 2019, astonishingly 1.2million have downloaded the app. And they reportedly have over 900,000 active users.
Supporters pay up to £2 per token with Socios at their favourite clubsCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
Barcelona and Juventus fans got to vote on a slogan that was written on trophies the captains held before a recent friendlyCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
It’s a service that provides fans, at a cheaper cost, the opportunity to have a say at their club.
Of course, Manchester United and Juventus trade their shares publicly, but they would cost a lot more than a Socios fan token.
This is not a share of a company, but a share of influence how they are run. One token equals one vote.
For example, when Socios-sponsored clubs Barcelona and Juventus faced off in a preseason friendly on August 8, token holders were allowed to vote on which pre-approved slogan would appear on a trophy that the team captains held before the game.
CONTROVERSY
Socios is expanding at a rapid rate – not just in football too.
The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have all signed up to the scheme.
While Formula 1’s Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo teams, and Indian Premier League cricket teams Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are all now financial beneficiaries of supporters buying fan tokens.
But some supporters are just not quite sure.
It allows for fan engagement from all over the globe, with many ‘investors’ not regular visitors to the stadium or are so-called ‘true-fans’.
Many football fans are skeptical of Socios and their platformCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom

The Football Supporters’ Association thoughts are: “Socios attempts to monetise fan engagement which the leagues and clubs have committed to doing for free. There should be no financial barrier to engaging with your football club.”
In 2019, a group of West Ham fans revolted on plans for the club to partner with Socios by launching a ‘Don’t Pay To Have Your Say’ campaign.
In the end, both parties pulled out.
When Arsenal announced they were siding with Socios, it was met with skepticism from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust.
“It is a concern that the club is trying to monetarise fan opinion and engagement,” they wrote, revealing they weren’t consulted on the plans.
The Gunners famously said they wanted to engage with more fans after the European Super League debacle had miffed many.
When the Arsenal deal with Socios was announced, the FSA slammed the decision.
“One day saying you’re committed to supporter engagement. The next day, trying to monetise it.”
CAN YOU MAKE MONEY?
Like BitCoin, fans buy their tokens using real money.
The price of tokens changes over time, given team performance, or a potential blockbuster signing.
After PSG concluded a deal for Messi, their fan token value more than doubledCredit: Getty
Inter Milan will wear their fan token as sponsors on their shirtCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
Fans can exchange or sell their tokens like on the stock market with other Socios users.
Interestingly, before Messi signed for PSG a fan token cost around £16. When the deal was concluded, it rose to around £35.
Should the Argentinian lead them to Champions League glory, they could potentially rocket further.
IT’S HERE TO STAY
Whether or not you’re a fan, Socios founder Alexandre Dreyfus is promising more to come.
More deals are slated to be in the pipeline that will be completed, if not before the real-life transfer window,then after it as the season gets going.
There are plans to conquer the NFL in America too.
“We’ve proven that we are here to stay,” he told City A.M.
“This is not about you believing it [or not] because it is happening. The question is whether you embrace it now or later.”
La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have also joined the Socios revolutionCredit: Instagram @sociosdotcom
Socios founder Alexandre Dreyfus, right, is adamant that fan tokens are here to stay

And Dreyfus is adamant that Socios doesn’t exist to fleece the fans.
“We’re not here to take money from the fans,” he said.
“What we do is not bad; we are not bad actors. We aren’t worse than Facebook or TikTok. It’s just the monetisation is different.”
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