Kevin Blackwell says he was 'disappointed' to see Michael Tonge leave Bramall Lane late on transfer deadline day, but insisted the deal was a good one for the Blades - and for the playe.

Tonge has signed a four-year deal at the Britannia Stadium after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, and Blackwell admits that although he would have preferred not to sell, he couldn't stand in the way of a player wanting to return to the top tier of English football:

"I was hoping the phone call wouldn't come, because I wanted to the squad together.

"It all happened so quickly from about eleven o'clock and it was a situation where Tongey wanted the opportunity to play in the Premiership again, and the club had received an excellent financial offer.

"We knew something could happen, but hoped it wouldn't. Some of the the staff had to be at Bramall Lane until gone midnight because of that. Stoke put a bid in late in the day and that was that."

The Gaffer's disappointment at losing a player that he has seen develop into a first-team regular over the years was evident, but he is happy that the deal suits everyone concerned:

"We grew up together in a way and I have seen him progress rapidly over my two spells with the Blades. When I cam back he proved to the supporters that he is a good player and he is a great lad.

"Tongey will have a hint of sadness about him, because this has been his footballing home for so long and he has known nothing different.

"Life is full of challenges, though, and it is a great chance for him and, more importantly, we have made sure it is a good move for this football club."