St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright admits the late addition of Danny Swanson to his squad on deadline day was an unexpected bonus.
It meant a twilight shift for Wright and football administrator Paul Smith at McDiarmid Park but the necessary forms were rubber-stamped in time to take the former Dundee United midfielder to Perth on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Wright had told Courier Sport earlier on Monday that any last-gasp business looked unlikely, but the Saints boss was delighted to push a deal for a player he has long admired over the line.
“Danny fell into our lap late in the day,” he stressed.
“I genuinely wasn’t anticipating doing any late business and it meant a late night for myself and Paul Smith getting all the paperwork sorted out at this end.
“It was all a bit rushed and it went down to the wire but we got there in the end.
“We were made aware that Danny could be available but there was also interest from another club.
“But Danny made it clear he wanted to come here.
“He is a player I like and he was on our radar before.
“But they do say that patience is a virtue. It is a great signing for us.”
Swanson made over 100 appearances for United across four seasons before moving down south to Peterborough in 2012, later moving on to Coventry City last summer.
He made 18 appearances in all under manager Steven Pressley, but Wright was more than happy to see Swanson become available with the deal confirmed at around 20 minutes before the transfer window officially closed.
“Danny is someone who will provide a real spark to the squad,” he continued.
“He is looking forward to getting started.
“He knows the league and he has proved his quality. Danny is comfortable on the ball.
“I spoke to Coventry manager Steven Pressley and maybe the football played in League One is a bit more direct than what suits Danny’s game.
“But his style will suit our game.
“It is a real bonus to get Danny and it will give the squad a lift for the rest of the season.
“I have seen how they have reacted to getting injured players like Steven MacLean, Tam Scobbie and Murray Davidson back fit.
“They welcomed in James McFadden because they knew his qualities and this is another positive for us.”
Wright had earlier been disappointed to see Gary McDonald leave the club by mutual consent on deadline day, although he wished the midfielder well.
“Gary is a really great pro and he was a very good signing for us when he came up from Morecambe,” he concluded.