Andy Tod

Stalwart defender/striker Sir Andrew Tod of Kelty has signed a one year contract with Fife rivals Raith Rovers following his release from East End Park. Rovers boss John McGlynn sees the 35 year old as a key man as he attempts to guide the Kirkcaldy outfit out of the Second Division next season.

A clearly delighted wee team boss said: "We have been tracking Andy for some time and I know the signing will be worth waiting for.

"Andy brings vast experience to the football club as he has played at the highest level consistently for years both in Scotland and England. I feel Andy can play a big part in our promotion push."

The man known as the Todalinho joined Dunfermline from junior side Kelty Hearts in 1993 as a striker, and became known for his scoring prowess from the bench as he netted 13 goals as the Pars missed out on promotion by one point.

The following season saw the big man deployed as a centre back alongside Norrie McCathie and made 35 league appearances as the Pars again missed out on the title, this time to Raith.

He had made the number 5 jersey his own and helped enormously to help keep it, and the team, together following the tragic passing of Norrie in 1996. He performed heroically with his team-mates, most notably at Tannadice in April, as Dunfermline secured the title at long last. He also scored one of the Pars most memorable goals of that season, an overhead kick to put Dunfermline 3-2 ahead at Dens Park in a game we won 4-2 having been 2-0 down to Dundee.

He carried on his good performances in the Premier League, as Dunfermline survived two seasons before going back down in 1999, after Bert Paton resigned. Dick Campbell installed Toddy as skipper but after Campbell's departure and the arrival of Jimmy Calderwood, Toddy found his chances much more limited.

He was sent on loan to Stockport County in 2000, having made 234 appearances and scoring 38 goals. From there he moved to Bradford City, before loan spells were enjoyed at Dundee United and Hearts before Calderwood, realising how useful a player Toddy was, swooped to re-sign him in 2003.

He made his second Pars debut in a 0-0 draw with Celtic, with Andy absolutely outstanding in snuffing out Henrik Larsson. He made 26 starts and 10 sub appearances that season, including a run out at the Scottish Cup final.

The following season saw Davie Hay take charge and Andy was more often than not deployed as a centre forward, including the 2-2 draw against FH Hafnarfjordour, Dunfermline's first European game in just over 30 years.

As Hay's side stumbled from one farce to the next, Andy emerged as the team's chief goalscoring threat, and ended up as top scorer with 7 goals. He was robbed of a hat-trick against Dundee on New Year's Day by a Dundee player touching a header into the net for him.

Season 2005/2006 saw him remain a key member of the squad, this time under Jim Leishman, and he made 25 appearances but the following season saw him slip further down the pecking order, and after Stephen Kenny arrived, it was clear he was not in his plans.

Towards the end of the season, he was awarded a testimonial for his service to the club, which spanned 11 years over two spells. The Dunfermline V Andy Tod select game was a great spectacle, and it was of course fitting that he should score in the select's 4-1 win.
The select team, full of former Pars starts, managed by the legendary Bert Paton and Dick Campbell and with other famous faces like Ally McCoist, all helped pay a fitting tribute to a man who had done so much for the club he loved.

Andy's last appearance for the Pars was as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road on December 30th 2006. He made 383 appearances for Dunfermline, scoring 50 goals. Not a bad record for a striker cum defender!

The Todalinho was the last of the famous 1995/96 team left at East End, so it truely is the end of an era. He always had time for the fans, and his commitment and passion for Dunfermline Athletic was there for all to see. My favourite memory of him was scoring that goal at Dens Park, while another would be opening the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Rangers in 2005. But there are equally important goalline clearances, clearing headers or last ditch tackles I have forgotten about.

He was a great servant to the club and a very good player for us, but he will always be remembered fondly by the fans. Though we generally don't want the Wee Team to do well, I and I'm sure all other fans, will wish him well at Stark's Park.

Long live Toddy!