Former Oxford United player Colin Todd has joined Derby as Jim Smith's assistant manager after quitting as Swindon Town boss.

Swindon are now in talks over compensation for 51-year-old Todd, manager of the second division strugglers for less than a year.

A statement from Derby said: Swindon have given Derby permission to speak to Colin Todd and, after discussing personal terms, he has agreed to join the club as Jim Smith's assistant manager.

There is a matter of compensation which Colin and his advisor will be discussing with Swindon, and matters cannot be finalised until then.

Derby, bottom of the Premiership, view Todd a former Derby player as Smith's natural successor possibly at the end of the season.

Smith, a former Oxford United manager, said today: I know how I would like to finish it is by bringing in someone we are all agreed about and making him manager with me around for a year to help him out.

Swindon initially refused Todd's resignation, but finally agreed to Derby's request.