The worry, the wait and the risk worth taking for Rotherham United on deadline day
The Millers knew who they really wanted
Rotherham United were left fretting until the final minutes of the summer transfer window before receiving the go-ahead to bring young frontman George Sebine to AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Huddersfield Town teenager had long been on the radar of the Millers and they passed up on other centre-forwards as they gambled on waiting for the one they really wanted.
The green light from the Terriers - where Sebine is a highly-rated prospect - came very late on September 1’s deadline day.
The physical 19-year-old, who has a smattering of League One experience, even played for Huddersfield that night, against Oxford United - before his loan deal was finalised.
"George is someone who we've tracked and monitored," said boss Alex Bruce. "He's a bit of a throwback - a proper number nine who runs around, puts his foot in and harries defenders.
"I think he'll do well, I have to say. For what we needed, his profile fitted the bill very well. I'm really pleased we've got him because it was touch and go whether he was going to be allowed out.
"Thankfully, Huddersfield have let him come here and get some experience. Hopefully, we can do well by the lad and he can do well by us."
Head of football Steve McClaren revealed that Rotherham had turned down other striker deals as the clock ticked to the 11pm close of business.
Another attacker who agreed a deadline-day loan was Peterborough United's Klaidi Lolos.
The 25-year-old plays as a '10', and Bruce has a mix of styles up front from which to select now that the duo have joined the club along with other summer new boys Paul Mullin, Fabio Tavares and Tom Bradshaw.
"I've got five forwards who are all different," the head coach said. "That's the big thing that I wanted.
"Klaidi is six foot two. He knows the levels. He's got experience, and he's got a bit of craft and a bit of guile. He gives me options."
The window closed with the Millers have made 15 signing as Bruce leads a rebuilding mission follow last season's relegation and a mass exodus of players involved in the drop.
"The recruitment lads (Rob Scott and Warren Spalding) have done a great job over the last few weeks," he said. "A massive amount of hard work has gone into it. We've managed to put a squad together that is a lot stronger, a lot healthier."