Crawley boss Steve Evans has revealed how he beat the deadline with three minutes to spare to smash the Conference transfer record.

Reds have paid £275,000 – a record for two non-league clubs – to bring striker Richard Brodie to the Broadfield.

The deal for the 23-year-old looked to be dead last week when York accepted Crawley’s first bid but the player had second thoughts about moving south.

But it was resurrected on Tuesday while Evans was watching his side play a closed-doors friendly against Peterborough. Evans said: “We have tried to sign Brodes since July on several occasions but for one reason or another it could not happen.

“It became live again on Tuesday lunchtime when I took a call from the York chairman. I spoke to (co-owner) Bruce Winfield and we got the deal done and registered the player three minutes before the deadline.”

Brodie’s arrival means Evans now has six strikers including last season’s top two scorers in the Conference.

Brodie, who scored 53 goals in 135 appearances for York after joining them from Northern Counties League Newcastle Benfield in 2007, scored 26 league goals last season, one fewer than Matt Tubbs.

He was the subject of interest from several clubs in the summer but Reds were the only club to make an offer that York were happy with.

Evans added: “He is a terrific player who will always work hard for the team and, as his record shows, he can get a goal.

“He was player of the year in the Conference last season and that was voted for by the managers and I was one of them. I am absolutely delighted. He is a great signing for us.”

Brodie revealed another of Crawley’s 16 summer signings – defender Kyle McFadzean – helped him make his mind up.

Brodie said: “I have played with Kyle for England C and he couldn’t speak highly enough about Crawley and really helped me make my mind up. Crawley are one of the favourites for promotion and hopefully I can chip in with a few goals and some good performances.

“Leaving York was a very emotional decision. The club will always have a special place in my heart and the fans have always been there for me, rain or shine.”

Brodie and Tubbs could be paired together for the first time on Saturday when Reds host Fleetwood looking for a fifth successive league win.

Meanwhile, Evans hopes to have signed an experienced goalkeeper on loan before the weekend. He needs cover for ex-Albion keeper Michel Kuipers who was sent off for the second time in six games in Monday’s 1-0 win over Forest Green and is banned for four matches.

Evans also revealed at least two players will be allowed to go on loan to get some first-team football.

Sam Rents and Dean Howell stepped up their comeback after injury by playing in Tuesday’s friendly against Peterborough.