Ince eyes Wembley return

MK Dons boss Paul Ince is hoping his love affair with the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy can continue as he prepares his side for a Southern Section final against Southampton

January 2010

Ince masterminded the Dons to their maiden trophy in 2008 and the former Blackburn boss, currently in his second spell at stadium:mk, is eyeing a return to Wembley.

“It’s a competition I’ve got fond memories of because, although we also won the league that season, winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley was what really put the club and the city on the map,” he said. “It would be great to go back to Wembley again this year.”

But the Dons will not face an easy time of it against an in-form Saints side. Alan Pardew’s men would be in the top six of League One - and above Ince’s men - had it not been for a 10-point deduction at the start of the campaign.

The Saints only scraped through to the regional final after a tense penalty shoot-out victory over Norwich in the semi-final and Pardew believes the manner of that win can stand them in good stead.

“It was nice to win when you haven’t played well and I think it showed our never-say-die spirit,” he said.

Carlisle face Leeds in the Northern Section final and boss Greg Abbott is hoping the tie - and a potential trip to Wembley - can provide the highlight of the campaign.

“It's brilliant for the club. Leeds is something to look forward to and there's excitement about the second half of the season,” said Abbott.

Leeds, who are chasing the League One title and still going strong in the FA Cup, will not be taking the tie lightly and boss Simon Grayson said: “They will be two good games. They will be just as keen to win through to Wembley as we are.”

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