Former Scotland midfielder takes over Hellas Verona
BBC Football understands that 25 year old former Scotland international Craig Todd has taken over Northern Italian Club Hellas Verona. It is understood that Todd has penned a 1 year deal with the club.
The news came after Hellas Verona owner Maurizio Setti announced via his personal twitter feed;
“We are delighted to announce here at @HellasVerona the signing of manager @toddzy1 on a 1-year deal. Take a minute to welcome with the #WelcomeCraig”
Todd, 25, is a former footballer who was forced into early retirement due to a persistent knee injury. He managed to earn 25 caps and score 4 goals before sadly his injuries caught up with him.
The Verona board is reported to be very impressed with the young Scot’s ambition for the recently promoted side. Furthermore, our Italian source informs us that Todd’s recent attempt in management has proven successful. It’s understood that Todd had been managing Juventus’ Under 19 Side. He had been given the job as he was contracted to Juventus at the time of his early retirement.
A lover of Italian football from a young age Todd said he never felt more at home when he made the move from Everton to Sampdoria at 20. It was after a very impressive debut season at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris where he ended as the top assister of Serie A that Juventus came knocking on his door.
His first season seen him play regularly however the issue with his knee had began to creep in and form decreased. The second season for Todd proved to be too much; making only one appearance under Antonio Conte’s new look side and the knee injury had became worse.
Conte however decided it would be a good idea to try and get Todd some game time and loaned him back to where it all began for him in Italy, Sampdoria. But much like Mount Vesuvius, Todd rarely erupted in what became a torrid season.
Now the tender age of 24, the Scot bowed out from playing the game professionally and was in turned offered a role to manage the under 19’s of Juventus.
He overseen them win the Under 19 league in style, something which he received high praise for by Antonio Conte.
But, Todd now arrives at an exciting point in Hellas Verona’s journey. Over the last few weeks the club has worked extremely hard to bring in a raft of stars. This includes the FIFA World Cup 2006 winner Luca Toni on a 1-year deal. The journeyman striker insisted he had been enticed by the project laid in front of hum.
Toni, 36, had this to say of Todd;
“We’ve only had a brief chat but he came across very assertively and direct. He knows what he wants to accomplish this season and I respect him for that. I can’t wait to get out and play under his stewardship now.”
Also joining on loan Marquinho from AS Roma and Juan Iturbe from Portuguese side FC Porto – the latter considered an Argentinean gem.
Verona are yet to announce their pre-season fixtures but it is anticipated they will at least play Spezia who are a feeder club of theirs. It is also reported that Todd may not have a great deal of funds at his disposal based on the fact that previous manager Andrea Mandorlini signed the majority of the current squad in recent weeks.
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Footnote;BBC Football understands that 25 year old former Scotland international Craig Todd has taken over Northern Italian Club Hellas Verona. It is understood that Todd has penned a 1 year deal with the club.
The news came after Hellas Verona owner Maurizio Setti announced via his personal twitter feed;
“We are delighted to announce here at @HellasVerona the signing of manager @toddzy1 on a 1-year deal. Take a minute to welcome with the #WelcomeCraig”
Todd, 25, is a former footballer who was forced into early retirement due to a persistent knee injury. He managed to earn 25 caps and score 4 goals before sadly his injuries caught up with him.
The Verona board is reported to be very impressed with the young Scot’s ambition for the recently promoted side. Furthermore, our Italian source informs us that Todd’s recent attempt in management has proven successful. It’s understood that Todd had been managing Juventus’ Under 19 Side. He had been given the job as he was contracted to Juventus at the time of his early retirement.
A lover of Italian football from a young age Todd said he never felt more at home when he made the move from Everton to Sampdoria at 20. It was after a very impressive debut season at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris where he ended as the top assister of Serie A that Juventus came knocking on his door.
His first season seen him play regularly however the issue with his knee had began to creep in and form decreased. The second season for Todd proved to be too much; making only one appearance under Antonio Conte’s new look side and the knee injury had became worse.
Conte however decided it would be a good idea to try and get Todd some game time and loaned him back to where it all began for him in Italy, Sampdoria. But much like Mount Vesuvius, Todd rarely erupted in what became a torrid season.
Now the tender age of 24, the Scot bowed out from playing the game professionally and was in turned offered a role to manage the under 19’s of Juventus.
He overseen them win the Under 19 league in style, something which he received high praise for by Antonio Conte.
But, Todd now arrives at an exciting point in Hellas Verona’s journey. Over the last few weeks the club has worked extremely hard to bring in a raft of stars. This includes the FIFA World Cup 2006 winner Luca Toni on a 1-year deal. The journeyman striker insisted he had been enticed by the project laid in front of hum.
Toni, 36, had this to say of Todd;
“We’ve only had a brief chat but he came across very assertively and direct. He knows what he wants to accomplish this season and I respect him for that. I can’t wait to get out and play under his stewardship now.”
Also joining on loan Marquinho from AS Roma and Juan Iturbe from Portuguese side FC Porto – the latter considered an Argentinean gem.
Verona are yet to announce their pre-season fixtures but it is anticipated they will at least play Spezia who are a feeder club of theirs. It is also reported that Todd may not have a great deal of funds at his disposal based on the fact that previous manager Andrea Mandorlini signed the majority of the current squad in recent weeks.
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