Jones reveals Redknapp respect May 17 2008
Cardiff boss Dave Jones has paid Portsmouth counterpart Harry Redknapp a glowing tribute ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final.
The pair are set to test each other's tactical prowess at Wembley for the ultimate prize in domestic cup football, with a place in next season's UEFA Cup at stake.
But rather than turn the heat up on his opponent in the lead-up to the biggest game of both their managerial careers, Jones has chosen to praise Redknapp for the work he has done at Fratton Park.
Jones fully believes his compatriot have been a success as England manager and also a popular choice.
The Football Association finally decided on Fabio Capello but the Bluebirds chief would have preferred to see the job go to an Englishman like Redknapp or Alan Curbishley.
"I'm old school and think the England manager should be English," Jones said in the Daily Star.
"We just seem to be into this foreign thing. Okay, the FA got their fingers burned with Steve McClaren - yet there are a lot of good English managers around.
"Alan Curbishley would also have been a choice and I would like to know why the FA think foreign is best?
"Sven Goran Eriksson did a decent job but he didn't win anything.
"I think countries like Italy, France and Spain should take some of our managers and I will guarantee success.
"I have the utmost respect for Redknapp. He is a real football man and would have been the people's choice as England manager."