FORMER Barnsley manager Nigel Spackman has warned the current crop of Reds players that defeat in a FA Cup Semi Final is one of the worst feelings in football.

Speaking exclusively to Reds Head of Media Rob Knowles for www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Nigel said: "I still cannot quite believe that Barnsley are in a FA Cup Semi Final if I am being totally honest. When you look at the teams they have had to beat just to get there then it really should not have happened and all credit to them.

"The problem now is that the expectation level is so high and there is more and more pressure on the further you get in this great competition. It all comes down to who performs on the day and anything could happen this weekend.

"I have to say though that I am bit of a traditionalist and I think that only the final should be played at Wembley. Mind you, if Barnsley win and get another day out at Wembley then you cannot take that away from the players or fans. There will be thousands of Barnsley fans at the game and I am sure that they will all enjoy it. It should be a cracking game.

"It is a big day out for supporters but I do think going to Wembley for the semi does take a little bit of gloss away from the final. I think the last time a team from outside the top four won the FA Cup was back in 1995 when Everton lifted the trophy. Although that has meant the quality has been there in the games, it has detracted a bit from the romance of the cup. When you look at what Barnsley, Cardiff, Portsmouth and West Brom have done to get to the Semi Finals then it really has been a year for the underdog and great for the competition.

"Nobody ever remembers who lost in a semi final. It is a worse feeling than losing in a final really and I should know after being on the wrong end in both. There is nothing like the magic of the FA Cup Final and going out knowing that you are being watched by millions and millions of people.

"It should be a great weekend of football. It is all about who performs on the day and hopefully it will go the right way for Barnsley and we will be talking about a FA Cup Final".

Nigel took over as Barnsley manager in January 2001. He left the job the following November.