HE may be from the North East but England legend and former Barnsley boss Norman Hunter has not lost his affinity for Oakwell and he believes the Reds have put a little bit of magic back into the FA Cup this season.

Speaking exclusively to Reds Head of Media Rob Knowles for www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Norman said: "I am absolutely delighted for the Club and for the people of Barnsley.

"When you spend time at any Club you always get a little bit attached to it and I still look for Barnsley's results even after all this time. I have very fond memories of my time at Oakwell even though I was sacked at the end of it. I could not be happier for them.

"Seeing Barnsley, Cardiff City, West Brom and Portsmouth in the Semi Finals is good for football to a point because it is about time that someone stopped the top four teams winning everything. I was delighted when Spurs won the Carling Cup as well.

"Barnsley have put the magic back into the FA Cup this season although I do not think it will ever happen again. It might make the top four sit up and take it a little more seriously now.

"Going to Wembley will be a great occasion but I would prefer to see Barnsley with half a dozen more points in the league at the moment. They still need a couple more wins to make sure they are safer and playing in the Championship next season.

"They do not want this great cup run to distract too much from their main priority, which is Championship football next year.

"I have fantastic memories of the old Wembley Stadium after playing there with Leeds and England. I have not had the chance to go to the new one yet but I have heard it is spectacular.

"Barnsley and everybody connected with the club really have to savour this weekend. It might - and probably won't - ever happen again".

Norman joined the Reds as a player in 1979, making 34 appearances. He was appointed player-manager in September 1980. The former Leeds United star enjoyed a glittering career at Elland Road, winning 30 England caps along the way.