Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins turned up late to his side's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Hartlepool United because he was out conducting transfer business.

The Blades coach revealed in his post-match interview that he came close to recruiting a new player, only for the deal to fall through at the last minute.

"We almost got someone in - I was close enough to miss the start of the game," he told reporters.

"We work hard with players behind the scenes and we have had a chance to get players in, but we want better quality and were working hard to get a couple of players over the line from a higher level.

"One player went down the line and we worked really hard, but it hasn't happened."

The Blades defeated Hartlepool 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.