Todd begins a new journey

ANDY TODD . . . “If we have enough belief in ourselves between now and the end of the season we can be in the shake-up.”

ANDY Todd has seen it, done it and bought the T-shirt when it comes to professional football on these shores.

The experienced 36-year-old was brought in by Athletic manager Paul Dickov to provide defensive cover as the club embarks on a play-off quest in the latter half of the season.

Todd’s debut, coming off the bench to operate in a defensive midfield role in the 2-2 draw at Carlisle, was his 350th appearance in this country in a career mainly played out in the Premier League and Championship.

His goal now is to get back to the level of football he is used to — with Athletic.

And his new club’s credentials are sure to be severely tested against big-budget opposition at Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

“Huddersfield are a big team in this division,” said Todd, who joined the club after securing an early release from Perth Glory in Australia.

“There will be a big crowd there and it is a derby.

“It should be an entertaining game as we try to play football.

“We are in a decent position, but we haven’t achieved anything yet and there is a long way to go.

“If we have enough belief in ourselves between now and the end of the season we can be in the shake-up.”

Both Dickov and his assistant Gerry Taggart are former team-mates of Todd at Blackburn and Bolton respectively and the combative centre-back reckons they help bring a level of professionalism which can only be beneficial.

“Paul is a passionate guy who always worked hard both in training and in games and he has transferred that into his management,” he added.

“I know Tags from Bolton as well and they have been around at some top clubs.

“So it hasn’t surprised me at how well they have done so far.”

Huddersfield are blessed with riches — both in terms of budgets and facilities — which Athletic can only dream about.

Despite the imbalance between the two in-form clubs’ respective resources, only five points separate third-placed Town (49) from Athletic (44).

“Paul is doing a great job with not a lot of money,” Todd added. “It is a young team that finds itself in a great position.

“There is a buzz about the place and a quiet confidence, without anyone getting too carried away.”