The emergency loan 'Transfer Window' closed at 5pm yesterday and Gary Simpson was left frustrated as deals for two players fell through at the eleventh hour.

Simmo had been in talks about bringing Richard Butcher back to the Moss Rose. The midfielder has regained full fitness since being called back to Sincil Bank and was keen to return to Macc. 

"We'd been speaking about bringing Butch back," explained Gary, "but City were initially reluctant."

"We'd kind of written it off but suddenly it was back on which was good news. However they were wanting a lot more money than the previous terms we had agreed. It simply was money we don't have so that put an end to that. It's a real shame as Richard is a quality player and he's unlikely to play for Lincoln this season."

The second target was Rotherham striker Ryan Taylor.

"I spoke with Ronnie Moore after the game on Tuesday and we both expected the deal to go through," explained Gary. "However late on Exeter City expressed an interest, and given Rotherham wanted to extend the loan of Craig McAllister from St James Park, they leapfrogged us in the queue. So Ryan signed for Exeter instead."

"Again it was disappointing but there was little we could do once the Exeter link was made."

"However the lads we have at the club have been busting a gut in recent weeks and whilst we are short on numbers, we are big on heart and that is a big tick in the box as we look to pick up those couple of wins I think we need to secure our league status."