Rotherham United express shock and sadness following death of Richie Barker's brother Chris

Chris, who played for Cardiff, QPR, Barnsley and Southend during a successful Football League career, died on New Year's Day aged 39.

The former left-back was working as lead development coach phase coach at League Two Forest Green Rovers.

Paul Warne’s assistant Richard, who played against his brother when representing the Millers versus Barnsley, was absent on the touchline for Rotherham’s 2-1 win over Blackpool on Wednesday.

The club said in a statement: “Rotherham United were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news of the passing of Chris Barker, brother of our assistant manager Richard.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Barker family whilst reaffirming that the thoughts of everyone at the football club, and indeed the town, are with Richard at this incredibly difficult time.

“On behalf of his family, we would politely request that they are afforded their privacy during this time.”

Richard is again set to be absent as the Millers take on Hull in the FA Cup third round on Saturday lunchtime.

The former Millers striker was the last man to score the winning goal for the club at this stage of the competition, with his memorable diving header against Southampton way back in 2002.

Having had to come through against non-league opposition in the opening two rounds, boss Warne is happy to resume the underdog status against the Championship side, who won at Sheffield Wednesday on New Year's Day.

“We're not very good at cup runs. It's great for the lads to earn a game against a Championship team,” Warne said.

“I'm very happy to be the underdog. The atmosphere at the ground will be great.

“I really like Hull's manager (Grant McCann). It's good that he's been given a chance in the Championship after doing a really good job in League One with Doncaster Rovers.

“We're at home to a mid-table Championship team and we go into the tie with nothing to lose really.

“If we can take our league form into the match maybe we can get something out of it.”

He added: “The Hull attacking line is really good. It will be nice to have a match away from the pressures of the league.

“Grant has had a positive effect on them. They haven't brought in loads of players or anything like that.”