Colin Todd

Club career

The young Todd had opportunities to sign for Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, but chose Sunderland "because of their tradition for youth". He was a member of the youth team coached by Brian Clough in 1965, and played a major part in Sunderland's 1967 victory in the FA Youth Cup. By then Todd was already a first-team regular. He made his debut as substitute for Charlie Hurley in a 1–1 draw away against Chelsea in the First Division on 10 September 1966, and by mid-season had established himself in the starting eleven. He missed only three league games in the next three seasons, at the end of which Sunderland were relegated from the top flight. After 191 appearances and three goals in all competitions for Sunderland, Todd rejoined Clough at Derby County in February 1971. On joining Derby, he had cost them a British record transfer fee for a defender of £175,000. When linked with the club, Brian Clough remarked "We're not signing Colin Todd, we can't afford him". He then signed him that same day. Clough sent the chairman Sam Longson a telegram informing him of the signing and the size of the fee: £175,000. Todd formed a defensive partnership with fellow England international Roy McFarland, winning two league titles together. Under Clough, Todd helped Derby win the First Division title in his first full season at the Baseball Ground and collected a second title winner's medal under Clough's successor Dave Mackay in 1975. Todd won the PFA Players' Player…

Middlesbrough

Todd entered management in March 1990 with Middlesbrough, succeeding Bruce Rioch. He had coached the club from the Third Division to First Division in successive seasons but on taking the manager's job, Middlesbrough were struggling in the Second Division and facing the real threat of moving from the Third to First Division and back again in successive seasons. Todd kept the club in the Second Division and they qualified for the play-offs a year later, although they were denied the chance of promotion after losing to eventual winners Notts County in the semi-finals and Todd subsequently resigned.

Bolton Wanderers

He moved on to Bolton Wanderers in 1992 as assistant to his predecessor at Middlesbrough, Bruce Rioch. After Rioch left to manage Arsenal, having achieved promotion in the 1994–95 season, McFarland moved to Bolton as joint-manager alongside Todd. Bolton struggled in the Premier League and McFarland was dismissed in early 1996, leaving Todd in sole charge. He was unable to prevent Bolton's relegation but guided them back to the top-flight by winning the First Division in the 1996–97 season, ensuring Bolton's new stadium would host Premier League football. Despite strengthening the squad with new signings, Bolton struggled in the top flight and were relegated again at the end of the season. Todd led the club to the play-off final in 1999 but lost to Watford, and he resigned seven games into the 1999–2000 season following the sale of Per…

Todd was born into a mining family in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. As a boy he was a fan of Newcastle United and could have signed for them, but he chose Sunderland because he preferred their approach to youth development. His son Andy is an assistant manager, having previously appeared under his father's management for Middlesbrough and Bolton.

As a player

Sunderland

FA Youth Cup finalist: 1965-66 Derby County

First Division Title winner: 1971–72, 1974–75 Texaco Cup winner: 1972 FA Charity Shield winner: 1975 Oxford United

Second Division Title winner: 1984–85

Individual

Rothmans Golden Boots Awards (Substitute): 1973, 1974 PFA Players' Player of the Year winner: 1974–75 World XI: 1975, 1976 PFA Team of the Year: 1973-1974, 1974-1975, 1975-1976

As a manager

Bolton Wanderers First Division Title winner: 1996–97

Individual

League One Manager of the Month: October 2004