FORMER Oakwell favourite Ashley Ward believes Barnsley have given the FA Cup its sparkle back this season.

Speaking exclusively to Reds Head of Media Rob Knowles for www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Ashley said: "It is a fantastic achievement and I have to say that I am absolutely delighted for everybody connected with a brilliant club.

"It makes it even more amazing when you look at the other three teams still in the competition and it is a great opportunity for those clubs to write themselves into the history books by lifting the FA Cup. It is a strange year and so many of the big teams have gone out of the Cup. In a strange way this could be a harder game for Barnsley than what a final would be.

"It will mean the world to the people of Barnsley to reach a FA Cup Final. We were in the middle of a great time when I was at the club and the supporters were right behind us when things we going very well. It is not the biggest town and it does not have the biggest support but when things are going well then they really do get behind the team. They are as good - if not better - than any other fans in the country.

"The Barnsley fans really get behind their team and I am sure that they will do that again on Sunday afternoon.

"When you talk to anyone from abroad they all know about the magic of the FA Cup. Normally you get four Premier League teams in the semi finals and it has been a bit of a closed shop in recent years. It is great for the competition and Barnsley have helped bring a little shine back to it.

"The FA Cup has found its sparkle again this season and it is the biggest and best competition in the world. As a kid you never want to win the league or even the World Cup - it is always the FA Cup. I remember seeing the streets deserted on cup final day as a kid because everybody watched it".

Ashley joined the Reds in September 1997. He went on to bag 25 goals in 61 goals before moving to Blackburn Rovers in December 1998.

REDS AT WEMBLEY - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW LINKS

John Hendrie
Craig Hignett
Paul Heckingbottom
John Beresford
Steve Chettle
Norman Hunter
Ashley Ward
Allan Clarke
Nigel Spackman
Danny Wilson