SWINDON Town are demanding big compensation from Derby County after Colin Todd's shock decision to quit the County Ground.

The former Wanderers' boss resigned on Tuesday night, just 140 days into a four-year contract, to join the Rams as assistant to manager Jim Smith.

He is expected to succeed Smith as manager at the end of the season but Swindon, who have reluctantly given Todd permission to speak to Derby, will not officially accept his resignation until they have received substantial compensation - possibly as much as £300,000.

Robins chairman, Terry Brady admitted: "We always knew bigger clubs might come in for Colin but we did not think it would be so soon."

Todd, who resigned as manager of Wanderers in September last year, won two League Championships with Derby in the Seventies and has always had a close affinity with the club. He has also played for and worked with Smith in the past.