The Armidale team is the only entrant from outside the Northern Inland Football Premier League and joins nine other Premier League sides in the first regional round later in the year. 

While TAS are delighted to be playing in the FFA Cup, they have also been handed a first-round home game against Tamworth FC.

It has left Tamworth FC hugely disappointed.

Club president Darren MacKenzie thinks his club should have, at least, had a home game.

“This is our fifth year in the FFA (and or State) Cup and we’ve yet to have a home game,” MacKenzie said.

“TAS come in first year and get a home ground advantage!”

NIF general manager Steve Griffith said  he hadn’t heard from Tamworth FC in regards to the complaint.

“Doody Park is the only available ground,” Griffith said.

“As it stands, all five FFA Cup games might end up being played there.”

Griffith was meeting with the Tamworth Regional Council on Thursday afternoon to try to secure Johnson Field or any field in Tamworth to play a second-round match on.

“There are no Tamworth grounds available,” he said.

“We only have one confirmed ground for that date.”

Meanwhile the 2015 Northern Inland Football Premier League season will be missing at least one club after Guyra advised Northern Inland Football they are unable to field sides this season.

“Rugby League has re-energised in Guyra and they lost a few players which is unfortunate,” Griffith said.

“The players weren’t convinced they could be competitive in two grades every week.”

Guyra not playing may add some extra players to Glen Innes who have been approached to join the league, as well as add to the numbers across the four clubs in Armidale.

NIF has also invited expressions of interest from TAS and UNE while South Tamworth may also be looked at after they have previously expressed their desire to enter the Premier League.

“TAS went through the Armidale comp undefeated last year and have a good set-up,” Griffith said.

“We would like to stay with two six- team conferences.”

Gunnedah United have  also indicated there is some uncertainty pending further discussions with players in Gunnedah, although Griffith believes a treaty will be struck between United and the Hawks.

“I have no doubt  Gunnedah will field a side in this year’s Premier League,” he said.

While discussions of a merger fell apart at the end of last year, Griffith believes that the senior players are close to an agreement.

“There was a really strong message at the meeting that the players wanted to play at the highest level.”

They will likely play as Gunnedah FC rather than either club title if they can reach an agreement.

Griffith, will keep clubs informed of developments. 

All clubs have until next Friday February 13 to confirm their entries.

A Council of Clubs meeting will be held via teleconference on Monday February 23 to discuss the coming season.