THE Lure of returning to his former club was always going to prove too big for Colin Todd, writes Matt Reeder.

As soon as it became clear that the Rams were interested in taking back their prodigal son then there was always going to be one winner.

Todd is simply idolised at Pride Park. He helped the club to two league championships in the 1970s and performed in front of thousands as they took on the might of Europe.

Derby will always remain close to Todd's heart. And today it is his heart which has won the day.

Todd will be quick to point out that he has not deserted a sinking ship. The 51-year-old has worked hard during this 142 day stay at the club in trying to bring success to the people of Swindon.

His decision to quit has nothing to do with football results or the players not performing, it has everything to do with the position he will be offered at Derby.

He leaves a side which has slipped into the bottom three of Division Two and joins a team rooted to the foot of the Premier League.

Jim Smith himself knows just how difficult the task ahead of them is. Todd will join his old friend as assistant as they battle to keep the side in the top flight.

When smith, as he is expected to, retires come the end of the season then Todd will take sole charge of the side. He hopes it will still be a Premiership club.

Jim Smith said: "I know how I'd like to finish. It is by bringing in somebody we are all agreed about and making him the manager, with me around for a year to help him out.

"This is a hard league, especially for young managers. We have made a lot of progress, a place in the Premiership and a new ground and I don't want it to be tossed away.

"It is the manoeuvre we've always had in mind because this is a lovely football club and there are so many good people here.''

Town were already relegated from Division One when Todd took over from Jim Quinn on May 4.

A wave of optimism swept the town. The troubled club was about to come out of administration and now had a former England international and the former manager of two larger clubs at the helm.

At the press conference to announce his arrival, he said: "I know this club has had a very difficult period but I am very confident that we can now take it forward.

"At the moment I am not in a situation where I know what amount of cash is going to be available. I have had guarantees from the chairman that money will be available in the long run and I will be very disappointed if that is not fulfiled."

See Thursday's Evening Advertiser for five full pages on Todd's announcement, including reaction from club officials and fans, plus who Town's next manager could be.

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