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How to complete a deadline day deal: A minute-by-minute guide

Wednesday 30 January 2013 08:30

Eric Walters, Head of Player Recruitment at Base Soccer, talks us through Leon Best’s last-gasp move from Coventry to Newcastle in February 2010

Sunday 31 January
17:15
I'm at the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United when the phone rings. It's Coventry City chairman Ray Ranson, informing me that the club have agreed a fee with Newcastle and asking whether Leon would be interested. I ring Leon, who expresses an immediate interest.

17:40
I leave the game early and head back home. While en route, I have a further chat with Newcastle, informing them of Leon's proposed personal terms.

21:15
Newcastle ring back wanting an answer to their final offer and following a further telephone conversation with Leon, both parties come to an agreement. With Leon in Leamington and myself in Essex, it's a case of getting all my paperwork together and us both setting up for the north east.

22:45
I finally get on the road.

Monday 1 February
03:15
Thanks to roadworks on the A1, I don't get to the hotel until the early hours. Leon calls at 2am saying he's arrived.

07:30
An alarm call wakes me and it's a light breakfast with Leon. We can't go for the full English as he will be having his medical later today!

08:45
We arrive at the Newcastle training ground to be greeted by the Sky Sports New cameras and a number of fans by the gate.

09:30
While Leon goes to a local hospital to have his medical, I remain at the training ground to finalise the contract with the club. Leon returns, having passed.

12:00
We have lunch and discuss the move further while Leon meets Newcastle manager Chris Hughton.

15:00
The deal is done. Leon signs, in the presence of Hughton. He is now officially a Newcastle player and the news is made official via the club's website.

16:00
It's back to St James' Park for the official photocall with the local press, Leon undergoes interviews.

Tuesday 2 February
02.30
I arrive home. It's been a mad 33 or so hours! With Leon set to make his debut in two days' time against Cardiff, I'll be off to St James' again. This time by train!