Jones aims to makes Wales proud

11:03am Thursday 3rd April 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE closest Dave Jones ever got to an FA Cup final was playing for Everton veterans before the showcase occasion and today he tells his players to savour every minute of Sunday's Wembley semi-final.

The Bluebirds face fellow Championship side Barnsley in their first appearance at Wembley since the famous victory over Arsenal in 1927, when they became the only side to take the FA Cup out of England.

And now, 81 years on, Jones says his players want to create their own history and make the people of Wales proud.

"It's a fantastic achievement to get this far and there's a real buzz about the place this week," said Jones.

"The lads have all been trying on their new suits and it will be a great experience, especially for the younger ones, and a wonderful day for everyone associated with the club.

"It's the biggest game this club has had for many years and we want to do ourselves proud and the supporters proud," he added.

"This year has proved that the FA Cup is alive and kicking and everyone wants to be where we are. It's a fantastic cup competition, the biggest in the world, and it's something that will stick with you for years to come.

"These boys can make history like the players back in 1927."

While quietly confident of a win on Sunday, Jones is by no means complacent and he brushed aside suggestions that Barnsley offer an easy route into the final.

"Playing Barnsley is a good opportunity but they would be saying the same about us, and they've beaten Liverpool and Chelsea so we can't get carried away," he said.

"I expect a tough game and we have to approach it in the right manner. It's important to enjoy it because we may never get here again but you only enjoy it if you win - if you lose it's horrible."

From a personal point of view, Jones could have been forgiven for crowing about his success after enduring a difficult November and December when many called for him to lose his job but the former Stockport, Southampton and Wolves boss refused to hit out at his critics.

"It wasn't hard within the camp," he said. "We didn't read all the speculation so it didn't affect us.

"Somebody told me the other day that on the messageboards they're still saying I should go because I am lucky - well every manager has to be lucky. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good."