Charlton Athletic have struck gold with Nathan Jones transfer favourite – Preston clash can reaffirm that.

Charlton Athletic struck gold with the deadline-day loan acquisition of James Bree from rival Championship club Southampton.

The Addicks signed numerous new players over the summer as Nathan Jones sought to bolster his club, which gained promotion from League One through the play-offs last season.

The main setback for Charlton during the transfer window was losing Thierry Small to Preston North End at the end of his contract, but finding a replacement for the dynamic 21-year-old was undoubtedly a priority in SE7.

Jones’ decision to play the left-footed Small on the right side midway through last season was a key factor in Charlton finding the kind of form that saw them surge up the League One table and eventually win promotion to the Championship, so it appeared to be a real blow when he chose to switch The Valley for Deepdale in June.

Charlton signed winger Rob Apter from Blackpool for more than £2 million the following month, and he started each of the Addicks’ first five league games in a role similar to Small’s last season, before being replaced by new signing James Bree for the away win at Sheffield United in September.

Bree is unquestionably a more naturally defensive-minded player than Apter, and while the right wing-back in Jones’ system has a true licence to get forward in possession, this makes him a better fit for the position that Small established last season.

The 27-year-old has had an incredible start to life in South East London under Jones, who previously signed him at Luton Town and Southampton, so any fears about the club’s ability to replace Small have been put to rest.

James Bree is thriving at Charlton Athletic

Bree made his Charlton debut from the bench in a 1-1 draw against Millwall last month, before making his first start for the club at Bramall Lane the following week.

The wing-back demonstrated tremendous quality in assisting Tanto Olaofe’s last-minute winner in front of the away end, and his effort earned him the supporter vote for Player of the Match via X.

His second appearance for the club came in the 3-0 triumph over Blackburn Rovers at The Valley this past weekend, and his technical brilliance was once again on display as his long free-kick found the head of Macaulay Gillesphey to open the scoring, before he finished the victory himself with a well-taken first-time finish in front of the Covered End in stoppage time.

Bree’s performance earned him a spot on the EFL Team of the Week. As if three goals in two starts for Charlton weren’t enough, Bree scored an amazing goal to give the Addicks the lead in their 1-1 draw with Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday night.

Bree presently has the greatest average match rating of any player in the Championship this season, according to FotMob, and Nathan Jones stated that he is pleased with his effect after the Welshman helped his side earn a point at Derby, according to The News Shopper.

“The goal is a wonderful goal,” Jones said.

“The approach and build-up were consistent, as was the finish. “It’s a great pick-out, but it’s a tough shot since it’s bouncing off the volley.

“It’s just technique. As a technician, he can accomplish it, and as I already stated, it was fantastic.” Charlton play Preston at Deepdale on Saturday, looking to extend their second-tier unbeaten streak to five games, and it will be intriguing to watch who comes out on top when Bree and former Addick, Small, meet off.

Thierry Small will want to show Charlton Athletic what they are missing

Thierry Small would have had to perform admirably to replicate what Bree has done for Charlton in the early stages of his career at Preston, but the promising young wide man has certainly made an impression in Lancashire.

The 21-year-old opened his account for the Lilywhites with a well-taken right-footed shot as Paul Heckingbottom’s side drew 2-2 away at Hull City on Tuesday night, giving him plenty of confidence going into the encounter against his previous club.

Small is someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve, so he will no doubt be keen to show Charlton what they are losing on Saturday, while the Addicks will hope that Bree can maintain his good form and offer them further add to their points tally going into the international break.

If Bree wins versus Small and Charlton gets a favourable result, it will confirm that the Addicks had a successful summer transfer window.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com