COLIN Todd got his man today when Phil Brown returned to Bolton Wanderers as assistant manager.

Former skipper and fans favourite Brown resumed his love affair with the club when he turned down a host of other offers to become Todd's number 2.

The classy defender had been offered another one-year playing contract at Blackpool where he has spent the last 12 months as coach under Sam Allardyce and he was also wanted by a number of rival clubs including one Premiership outfit.

But the pull of returning to Burnden Park was too great and Todd was today eagerly anticipating linking up again with Brown who is currently away on holiday and celebrates his 37th birthday tomorrow.

"He will eventually go right to the top in management terms - I have no doubt about that," said Todd. "Blackpool wanted to keep hold of him but he was coming out of contract and it is a big stepping stone for him.

"I worked with Phil while he was here and he certainly has the makings of a good coach.

"He has gained good experience at Blackpool and has all the right qualities.

"He wants to play football the right way, as I do; he is a strong character, has good knowledge, is strong-minded and will be loyal to this football club."

RESPECT Brown was one of the best buys in recent times when Phil Neal signed him for a nominal fee from Halifax Town in the 1988-89 season.

He made over 300 appearances for Wanderers before leaving at the end of the 1993-94 season - and Todd believes he could easily have played at a higher level.

"I used to ask why he hadn't played far higher," said Todd.

"When myself and Bruce Rioch let him go it was because we felt it was right for him to have a couple of years at another club.

"But we always said that he would be the one who would come back into football.

"He has got to earn the respect of everyone now and he will do that. He is learning the game and this is a big opportunity for him. "He is with a big club and he is very ambitious. I'm looking forward to working with him and I'm sure we will have a good partnership."

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