Bio:
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 famously 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. He 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.
He won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1975 – the same year that he won his second league title.
He later played for Everton, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Oxford United, finally retiring from playing in 1984 after a brief spell with Luton Town.
Factfile:
- Full Name: Colin Todd
- Position: Defender
- Date of Birth: 12.12.1948
- Birthplace: Chester-le-Street
- Nation: England
- Full Caps: 27
- Major League Career
- 1966-71, Sunderland (173/3)
- 1971-78, Derby County (293/6)
- 1978-79, Everton (32/1)
- 1979-82, Birmingham City (293/6)
- 1982-84, Nottingham Forest (36/0)
- More Facts
- Photo Gallery
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