COLIN Todd treated his son, Andy, like any other member of the Bolton playing staff . . . right to the bitter end. Todd Jnr had no idea that his father had resigned until the manager told his asssembled players and backroom staff at Wanderers' Euxton training headquarters yesterday.

"He was as surprised as any of the players," the former Bolton boss confirmed as he spent his first day in the ranks of the unemployed.

"That's how the relationship has always been. He's my son but, as far as football has been concerned, he is just another member of the squad. He has never had any special treatment. "He had no idea what was happening until I told him and the rest of the players yesterday."

Wanderers' skipper, Mike Whitlow, said the loss of the manager and key midfield player, Per Frandsen, on the same day had left the players stunned.

"As captain, I am disapppointed that the gaffer's gone under these particular circumstances," he explained. "To lose Per as well has left us absolutely gutted. We've lost a player who has been a linchpin.

"But it's made it even worse seeing him go just down the road to Blackburn.

"We'd have understood better if he'd gone somewhere else but we're as shocked as anyone that he's gone to our nearest rivals and that we're going to be playing against him." Whitlow also echoed the fans' sentiments on the size of the fee Wanderers will receive for the Danish international, who has been a driving force throughout his three years at the club. Rovers will pay an initial £1.75 million with a further £500,000 depending on games played.

"Backburn have got an absolute snip."

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