Returned with small supports (5)
I believe the answer is:
backs
'supports' is the definition.
(back is a kind of support)
'returned with small' is the wordplay.
'returned' becomes 'back' (I've seen this before).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'back'+'s'='BACKS'
(Other definitions for backs that I've seen before include "champions" , "Levy of money" , "Supports or puts bet on" , "Helps or supports with money" , "Gives support or one's blessing to" .)