Allen struggles to put frustration into words after plug is pulled on striker deal

Martin Allen refused to identify the striker, but struggled to put into words his feelings over the way the deal broke down.

“We had a centre forward ready to come in at lunch time, because we need another striker,” he said.

“I’m not going to say who it was, but we pulled out at lunch time when he was going to be late, and when he wanted an increase on what had been agreed while I was away.

“There’s no way I would be late to meet my manager, so we pulled the plug on that deal.”

Allen was not a happy man.

“I can’t put it into words in your newspaper,” he said.

“Having arranged the photographer, having got the shirts out and ready, had the contracts drawn up ready to be signed.

“I thought he would be a good player for us.

“I’ve told other players we’ve sorted out that position he plays in and I certainly wasn’t sitting in my office with a smile on my face.”

Town have already moved on in their striker hunt.

“We will bel ooking at alternative centre forwards.

“I’m sure every Chesterfield fan will be thinking who we’re going to have playing up front.

“We’re at it, we’re on it.”