COLIN TODD'S move to Derby County has been put on ice until an adequate compensation package can be finalised between the two clubs.

The out-going Town boss met with Derby supremo Jim Smith late Wednesday afternoon to sort out his personal arrangements at Pride Park.

Todd has agreed to join the Premiership strugglers, but first he must sort out a suitable pay-off for Terry Brady and Swindon.

A statement from Derby County said last night that Town had eventually granted them permission to speak with Todd and that he had agreed to take up the role as assistant boss to Smith.

Now Swindon will demand sufficient compensation for losing the manager they believed would bring back the County Ground glory days.

Chairman Terry Brady has already made his feelings known, but the rest is up to Todd, Derby and Todd's agent Richard Cody.

Brady and Todd held showdown talks after the 2-0 defeat against Millwall on Tuesday night. The manager also told his players and staff that he had quit.

Within 24 hours he was at the home of Derby County preparing to return to the city which gave him so much success as a player.

His resignation has still not been accepted by Swindon Town and chief executive Pete Rowe has revealed that they will be seeking hefty compensation.

Rowe believes the East Midlands club made an illegal approach to Todd and he expects Town to be suitably re-paid.

"The sequence of events indicate to us that conversations had taken place before Colin resigned," he said. "It would appear that Derby County had contacted him before asking our permission.

"We did receive a telephone call from Derby on Wednesday morning asking for permission to speak with the manager and that was followed up with a fax.

"We went through the procedure with our lawyers and sent back a reply saying that we would be happy for them to speak with Colin providing an adequate compensation package could be agreed."

Such cases of compensation would normally see the manager's contract paid up. Todd has only served six months of a four year deal, leaving Town looking at a £500,000 to £750,000 pay-off.

Derby boss Jim Smith has ordered Colin Todd not to speak with the media, stating things had "got very messy".

Mr Rowe was hopeful that the situation would be sorted with the minimum of fuss.

"We all hope that it does not get to a situation where we are dragged through the courts," he said. "Derby are aware of the rules and regulations set out by the FA and it does seem from the sequence of events over the past 24 hours that those rules have been broken.

"We must wait and see what Derby have to say on the matter, but I feel we have a strong case. The last 24 hours have left me with a sour taste in the mouth."

Rowe said it was now time for the club to look forward and called for the fans to remain calm.

"It is a bit of a kick in the teeth because we all felt that we had things on track," he said. "I would say to the supporters, however, that we are the guardians of this football club and we will do everything possible to do the best for Swindon Town."

Matt Reeder