Hockaday: Toddy's a super lad (From Gazette Series)

Popular defender joins Eastleigh

4:30pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in Gloucestershire Sport By Ashley Loveridge

POPULAR Forest Green defender Chris Todd today joined ambitious Conference South club Eastleigh on an 18-month free transfer, despite cash bids from Blue Square Premier title rivals Newport County.

Three separate enquiries from Newport failed to pay dividends, despite Newport being Todd's first choice as his next destination.

County originally hoped to take Swansea-born Todd on a free transfer before two further cash bids, neither of which budged Forest Green.

The promotion contenders were unwilling to even discuss Todd joining a rival club.

The former Torquay centre-back joined Rovers from Newport County in May 2011 on a two-year deal.

The Devon-based defender twice won promotion from the Conference while with Exeter City and Torquay United, but made just two Blue Square Bet Premier appearances since arriving at the New Lawn, a ruptured hamstring on his debut against Stockport County saw him sidelined for five months and on his return he picked up a red card in his comeback game to sum up a frustrating first season.

Another injury niggle curtailed him at the start of this season and then the consistent form of Eddie Oshodi, Arran Racine and Jamie Turley saw Todd loaned out to fellow Blue Square Premier outfit Hereford United, where he completed seven unbeaten matches.

Rovers manager David Hockaday praised the departing Todd, who said his New Lawn goodbyes this morning.

Hockaday said: "Toddy's a super lad and we wanted to do well by him, anyone who joins Forest Green will be looked after.

"We've helped him get a deal at Eastleigh and he's under contract and sorted for another 18 months.

Hockaday added: "Toddy was unfortunately a victim of circumstance. He got that injury against Stockport in the first game of last season and by the time he was fit again, other players - such as Oshodi and Turley - had established themselves.

"He'll play football at Eastleigh, whereas here, unfortunately, he'd become a squad player.

"Toddy's a super pro, great in dressing room and we're delighted we could help him get another deal and get back playing regularly."