Gloucester City are awaiting a final decision from the FA as they expect to be added to tomorrow’s third round draw for the Isuzu FA Trophy, with Kettering Town set to be kicked out.
It was discovered that Kettering had mistakenly fielded an ineligible player in their 1-0 victory Gloucester on Saturday.
Tyrone Lewthwaite, who scored the decisive goal against the Tigers, had previously featured for Bedford Town in the competition earlier in the season.
According to point 16(e) of the FA Trophy rules, ‘a player shall not play for more than one club in the competition in the same season.’
The Poppies could now face expulsion from the competition after Bromley and Brighouse Town were both disqualified for similar breaches in recent years and it is likely that Kettering will suffer the same fate and be expelled, allowing Gloucester to take their place.
Kettering secretary Ian Hopewell took responsibility for the error and has apologised to the club’s fans.
“As secretary of the club, it is my responsibility and no others,” Hopewell said.
“During the week, I checked that George Cooper and Harrison Foulkes were clear to play but it never entered my head to check on Tyrone as he’d been with us for so long.
“If the speculation is true then I have let down an enormous set of people down, no excuse for that.”
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For Kettering, the situation that sums up what has been a disappointing season for them with the team currently sat in 20th in the National League North.
Meanwhile for City, they will be grateful for the second chance they have been handed after a poor display in the 1-0 defeat.
As well as a potential cup-run that every fan dreams of, the financial reward for qualifying will be a huge boost for Steve King who has expressed his desire to bring in new signings.
The draw for the next round will take place at 3:15pm on Tuesday, with the fixtures set to be played on Saturday, 17th of December.
