Chesterfield's Small aims for big impact against Huddersfield Town

Oct 6 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WADE SMALL already has a liking for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – and the Chesterfield star will be aiming to make his mark again when he comes face to face with Town in tonight’s second-round showdown at Saltergate.

The 25-year-old winger or forward got his first goals after signing from Charlton Athletic with a double in the 5-1 first-round destruction of Burton Albion.

There have been two more since, the most recent sealing Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Accrington which put the Spireites 10th in League II.

Small struck in stoppage time after John Sheridan’s side had missed an 88th-minute penalty through six-goal top scorer Jamie Lowry.

And the former Sheffield Wednesday man is enjoying his time in Derbyshire, explaining: “I think I’ve settled in well. The boys here are great and I think I’m linking well with Jack Lester.”

Born in Croydon, Small began his career with MK Dons before a switch to Hillsborough three years ago.

He played 67 league games for the Owls – 31 as a substitute – and scored seven goals.

He also had a loan spell with Blackpool and a month at Town’s League I rivals Charlton before signing a one-year deal with Chesterfield just before the end of the transfer window.

Boss Sheridan said at the time: “Wade is an exciting player who is capable of causing problems for the opposition. He is quick, pacy and versatile.”

Small’s capture ended a busy spell for former Oldham Athletic boss Sheridan, who also brought in veteran goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who had been with him at Boundary Park, Tranmere midfielder Mark Allott, another ex-Latic, Nottingham Forest defender Ian Breckin and utility man Drew Talbot from Luton.