Going way off topic here, but, further back, the old transfer deadline day in March was good for the odd drama. And had things gone differently, two of our cult heroes from the 1990s and 200s may never have gained that status had things gone differently.
In 1994,we'd signed Uwe Rosler on loan after he scored twice for the reserves on trial, but his opening games in the senior side weren't a big success. On deadline day, we agreed a fee with Sheffield Wednesday for Mark Bright, but it was in the days before mobile phones were widespread. We were trying to contact him at home, he'd gone out somewhere, we couldn't reach him and the deal was never done. We stuck with Uwe, hit form, was signed permanently and won the hearts of the fans.
In 1998, trying desperately to save us from the drop to Division Two, Joe Royle agreed a fee with Leicester for Steve Claridge and he was set to sign. But Wolves came in for the player at the last minute and he opted to go there instead. Royle switched his sights to a certain Shaun Goater, who signed on deadline day.