It's on ... Rotherham United v Sheffield Wednesday as Bury are removed from Carabao Cup

ROTHERHAM United can finally begin their preparations for a South Yorkshire derby in the Carabao Cup against Sheffield Wednesday next week.
The Millers in Carabao Cup action at Shrewsbury in the first roundThe Millers in Carabao Cup action at Shrewsbury in the first round
The Millers in Carabao Cup action at Shrewsbury in the first round

The Millers were left in limbo last seven days ago when they crushed Shrewsbury Town in the first round and were drawn against either the Owls or crisis club Bury.

The EFL today ejected Bury from the competition and gave Lee Bullen's side a bye after the Shakers were unable to provide proof of their financial viability, leaving Rotherham free to face their rivals from S6 next Wednesday at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Tickets are already on sale for a clash which evokes memories of the last League Cup tie between the two club which saw the Millers triumph 2-1 through goals from Ben Pringle and Lee Frecklington at a packed New York in 2013.

An EFL statement issued this afternoon said: "Bury FC’s scheduled League One fixture with Tranmere Rovers on August 24 has been suspended as further clarity remains outstanding in relation to a number of the club’s financial obligations.

"In addition, Sheffield Wednesday have been awarded the round-one tie scheduled to be played against Bury and will progress to round two, where they will play away at Rotherham United on 28 August 28."

The Millers had been due to play Bury in League One at home tonight but the EFL postponed the fixture last week.

The statement continued: "The EFL board continues to be frustrated at the lack of significant progress that has been made by Mr Dale(Bury owner Steve Dale) in providing the information required. 

"However, we will continue to work with the ownership in an attempt to achieve a resolution ahead of the Notice of Withdrawal deadline of Friday August 23.

"The board remains in regular communication with Mr Dale but, if a solution is not found by the deadline, the board will authorise the necessary share transfer on behalf of Bury FC which shall be legally binding on all parties and result, regretfully, in the club no longer being a member of the Football League.

"Should this happen, Bury’s record from the 2019/20 season would be expunged with League One consisting of 23 clubs for the remainder of the campaign and the number of relegation places reduced to three at the conclusion of 2019/20 season. 

"Four promotion places would remain from League Two ensuring a full complement of 24 teams in League One in 2020/21.

"Bury would then be free to make an application to the Football Association to re-join league competition further down the English football pyramid from season 2020/21."