Hammill dedicates Barnsley cup win to 'inspirational' club owner Patrick Cryne

Cryne, 66, told supporters he did not expect to survive until the end of the season in Tuesday night's programme notes as he continues his fight against bowel cancer.

"He's been an inspiration to this football club," Hammill told BBC Radio Sheffield after his late winner clinched Barnsley a trip to Wembley to face Tottenham in the third round.

"I'll be going to speak with him after. I hold the man in high regard. We'll dedicate it to him and hopefully we'll get him another win at Wembley.

"I think we're all delighted for him. I read it before the game. It just touches home to you and I think that performance was a credit to him."

Cryne, who took control at Oakwell in 2004 and is reportedly in takeover talks with a Chinese/American consortium, stepped down from his day-to-day role in November last year and revealed in March he was terminally ill.

"I am living on borrowed time," Cryne said. "I live in pain, but living is better than the alternative. Cancer is insidious, cruel and rapacious and I implore everyone to have regular checks to stop it gaining hold.

"Recent months have brought into focus the things that are important to me. I have spent a lot of my life pursuing the ultimately pointless when there were better things to do. My family have always been important to me but I should have spent more time telling them so.

"I do now and it creates joyfulness in our relationships. Of course, my football club has been important too and I am lucky that my family have shared my love of Barnsley FC."

Cryne added: " People are not shy in coming forward and telling me they appreciate my efforts, even if I have fallen short of their aspirations. I receive many letters and cards from fans who share with me their memories and best wishes. I am grateful to them all.

"Regarding this season, I think we will get stronger as it goes on and our team gels, not unlike the double Wembley season. I do not expect to live to see the ultimate outcome, but I travel in hope.

"I wish you all a good football season and thank you for your kindness down the years."

Reds head coach Paul Heckingbottom confirmed last month that "there was some truth" to reports the club were in talks with a consortium led by American businessman Paul Conway and Chinese counterpart Chien Lee , who is the majority shareholder of French club Nice.