COLIN TODD was finally free to join Derby County last night after the club agreed a compensation package with Town chairman Terry Brady.

The week-long saga ended late yesterday afternoon when Mr Brady's injunction, forbidding Todd to talk to other clubs, was lifted.

Todd, who joined Town in May and handed in his resignation after last week's Millwall match, was due at Derby's Raynesway training ground this morning.

Part of the deal will also see the Rams play a pre-season friendly at the County Ground next summer.

Lawyers from both sides have instructed their clients not to talk about the case and the level of compensation has not been disclosed.

Derby boss Jim Smith was just glad to have his man by his side.

"It was very frustrating for all of us and, to a degree, pointless," said Smith. "It's over now, he is with us and I'm pleased."

Todd admitted he was pleased about the prospect of returning to Derby County.

"I'm very excited," said Todd, "and glad I can get on with the job. I'm returning to a club where I enjoyed good years as a player."

Derby sit at the bottom of the Premiership, without a victory in 11 games, and Todd's brief is clear, to lift them out of the relegation zone.

"It will be tough, no doubt about it. Confidence is important but so is belief," he said. "We have to become resilient, so that nobody wilts under pressure. The first thing is to become hard to beat. I've always believed that if you keep clean sheets you'll win."