Chesterfield-born Charlie Smith became a first-year scholar before the 2025/26 season.

He joined the Pre-Academy from Young Owls and was the club’s top scorer during the Under-15s’ run to the Floodlit Cup final in 2023/24.

The left-footed midfielder featured several times for the Under-18s and Under-21s in the 2024/25 campaign before moving up permanently for the following season.