Perth Glory has added significant experience to their back four after completing the signing of former English Premier League defender Andy Todd on a one year deal.
Perth Glory has added significant experience to their back four after completing the signing of former English Premier League defender Andy Todd on a one year deal.
Todd brings a hard edge and wealth of playing knowledge to Western Australia after plying his trade in England for more than 15 years including stints with Bolton, Charlton, Blackburn and most recently Derby County.
Todd, wife Dawn and one of his three children, Finley (7 months), have spent the past week in Perth to view Glory-s set-up and acquaint themselves with the city.
Perth Glory also used the time to put the 34 year old also through a rigorous set of physical and medical tests which he passed with flying colours and both parties signed on the dotted line this afternoon.
“I-m delighted to be joining the club for next season,” Todd said.
“It-s a big move but one that I-m looking forward to. We-ve enjoyed the city and I think it presents a great lifestyle move as well as an exciting football challenge.
“Perth Glory is on the up and progressing well and from what I-ve seen the coach is bringing together a quality group of players and I-m keen to be part of that,” said Todd.
Glory Coach Dave Mitchell has had his eye on the no nonsense defender for some time and watched Todd in action for Derby during his recruiting trip to Europe last month which confirmed his desire to bring him to Perth.
“Andy can see what we-re trying to do at the club and to have someone of his calibre underlines our desire to build a squad capable of taking us into the finals,” Mitchell said.
“We-ve made a concerted effort to bring quality into the club and I-m very happy to have Andy make a commitment for next season.
“We have looked carefully at players, taken time to see them in action and sat down with them to determine their desire to play in Perth. It-s not just their playing ability but also their personality and Andy fits the bill perfectly,” Mitchell said.
Todd-s desire to come to Perth almost eventuated in a loan move earlier this year however it wasn-t able to be facilitated but he is delighted to finally complete the move.
“Everyone I-ve spoken to at home says they know someone here,” he joked.
“I-m confident it will be a good move for me and my family and I am determined to help Perth reach their goals,” said Todd.
Full name: Andrew Todd
Date of birth: September 21, 1974 (age 34)
Place of birth: Derby, England
Height: 1.78m
Position: Defender
Previous Clubs: 1992-1995 Middlesbrough; 1995 Swindon Town (loan); 1995-1999 Bolton Wanderers; 1999-2002 Charlton Athletic; 2002 Grimsby Town (loan); 2002-2007 Blackburn Rovers; 2003 Burnley (loan) 2007-2009 Derby County; 2008-2009 Northampton Town (loan)
