One of the prospective new players Nicky Law (19) was injured in training on Thursday morning, while manager Paul Holland's deal for the other - David Graham - failed to be completed when the Stags could not contact the player.

Graham (29), at League One Gillingham, had suggested he would be willing to come to the Stags, while Law is at Sheffield United and played against the Stags for Bradford in December.

Then, late in the afternoon, a bid to bring a Championship player to Mansfield Town also fell through.

Earlier in the day Holland released five players - and also saw loan player Will Atkinson recalled by Hull City.

• 6 players out on deadline day


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• Busy day for 'Dutch'

But after paying up the contracts of John McAliskey, Martin McIntosh and Danny Reet; and loaning out Danny Sleath and Ian Holmes, Holland was then frustrated not to sign two transfer targets.

Earlier in the day he had told Chad: "I think it is vitally important I bring in a couple of fresh faces which will liven the place up."