Barnsley FC are still counting the cost of an administrative error which has seen them booted out of this year’s FA Cup.
The Reds fielded an ineligible player in their win over Horsham last week.
Academy product Aiden Marsh was out on loan at National League York City at the time of the first match against Horsham but was recalled in the period between it and the replay.
He then started the match in West Sussex as Barnsley ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Nicky Cadden and John McAtee’s brace.
That was in clear breach of the FA Cup’s rule 103 as he had been ineligible for the initial tie.
The cock-up could prove a costly one in a financial sense with the prize money for reaching round three currently £67,000 and £105,000 for advancing past that stage.
There is also the possibility of drawing a Premier League giant in the third round and the financial rewards that would bring.
Barnsley have also lost out on the £41,000 prize money they earned through beating Horsham – who will now play Sutton United in the second round instead of Neill Collins’ side.
It is not anticipated that the loss in revenue will impact any transfer plans as FA Cup prize money is considered a bonus and is not budgeted for.
The Chronicle understands the mistake was pointed out to the club last Thursday and though they had the option to appeal the decision it would have been fruitless due to their clear and obvious breach.
Head coach Collins said: “We are very disappointed.
“It’s the best cup tournament in the world and we want to be a part of it.
“Ultimately there has been a mistake made and we have to learn from it and as a club we have got to be better.”
Club captain Jordan Williams added: “It’s tough to take as a player, for the club, for the fans.
“It’s one of them now, it’s happened and there’s nothing we can do to affect it, I think we’ve just got to concentrate on the league now.
“That’s the main aim for us and I think we’ve got to just try and forget about it and try to think about the positive stuff now and keep pushing on.”
Barnsley FC are also recruiting a director of football with the job advertised on Thursday.
The Chronicle understands any appointment would be working alongside CEO Khaled El-Ahmad and his replacement once he makes the move to Minnesota United in the USA.
