Barnsley chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad has explained the club’s decision to limit Wanderers to around 2,000 tickets at Oakwell next week.

The Bolton News revealed that the Whites had requested a bigger allocation for the highly anticipated fixture.

After learning the share they would be given at Oakwell, Wanderers decided to open the South Stand lower tier for home supporters during the first leg this weekend.

El-Ahmad told The Barnsley Chronicle: “It was our choice. We looked at various scenarios that are good for the fans and the team and we decided on just over 2,000 at both games.

“It’s a combination of what we think is good for both clubs and also to provide a chance for as many Barnsley fans as possible to watch the game next Friday.”

The Yorkshire outfit are hoping to make an immediate return to the Championship after finishing fourth in the League One table.

“The general feeling last summer was that we would finish between eighth and 12th,” the chief executive continued.

“That probably reflects our budget and our average attendance. That was the realistic approach to the season.

“But I always say we will win every game and you go into every season thinking and hoping. Everyone around the club is excited for the play-offs. I am proud of my colleagues and the team.

“We have pulled together after what happened last season - new staff, new players, injuries, snow, Beth (Sefton), the death of a fan – there has always been something.

“I have experienced the MLS play-offs, it is a 50/50 chance. We have to take it one half at a time like Michael Duff says, but it is very exciting.”

Wanderers ran out 3-0 winners at Oakwell in January, with Dion Charles, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Kyle Dempsey all getting on the scoresheet. Barnsley played most of the game with 10 men after Mads Andersen was given his marching orders.

“I want to give a call to action to everyone in this borough. Whether you like Barnsley or not, have been to Oakwell before or not - come next Friday,” said El-Ahmad.

“It will mean so much to the team and the club, everyone should come. We should sell out, it will help the players and staff.

“I believe we have done well this year because we are getting closer to everyone being aligned. We have sold more than 8,000 season tickets for next season which is fantastic support.”