GILLINGHAM’S hopes of adding to their squad before the transfer deadline were scuppered by excessive demands, according to chairman Paul Scally.

Mr Scally worked late into the night deadline day trying to tie up permanent deals for two players – one being Swansea forward Adebayo Akinfenwa – but was left frustrated.

Mr Scally said: "We had a deal with one player but the club changed their position four times.

"Certain clubs try and use the deadline as a bartering stick and hope that in desperation teams will pay an exuberant fee."

Mr Scally confirmed the club would still try and bring the player in on loan.

* See Monday's Medway Messenger for the full story.