Despite having a trophy cabinet most could only dream of David Jeffrey insists his hunger for success is as strong as ever.
The 60-year-old is preparing to lead a team into his 12th Irish Cup final as a manager tomorrow.
But despite his longevity and his trophy haul Jeffrey's appetite has not diminished as he pointed out just how much reaching finals still means to him.
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"If the day and hour that being in a final becomes anything less than what it is then I will not be sitting here.
“This means a massive amount, massive amount and I know how we will be approaching it.
“Please God, it will not be my last but I don’t know if I will be in another. You never know when you can be in another and that’s the focus, that is where my head space is at.
“As for the emotion, we are looking forward to it and it means so much. In terms of performances, the players never threw the towel in.
“The first half away to Portadown, I was really disappointed but the rest of the time, I could not be disappointed. We just needed a bit of good fortune and the players stuck together.
“During that run we were struggling in the league and yet had Carrick away in the Cup, Newington and Ballyclare away which went to extra-time and then Larne. The character, desire and application of the players was superb. Only because of their efforts I can look forward to another Irish Cup Final and they make me immensely grateful.”
Jeffrey has won seven Irish Cups to date as a manager, which is in stark contrast to his record as a player.
Remarkably during his long playing career the Sky Blues boss never lifted the trophy during his playing career.
“I’m on the same page as Ross (Redman) when it comes to not winning Cup finals," he said.
“We had the trilogy of finals with Ards against Bangor. In the first game we were winning 1-0 with minutes to go and I was getting player of the game.
“I thought my dreams were coming together but they scored and we eventually lost it.
“I played in two finals for Linfield and that one for Ards, without success.
“The players have their own experience. I can tell them what it’s like to be a loser on Cup final day but my players have experienced that and I treat my men as men, I don’t get them to suck eggs.
“There is enough experience, intellect and common sense to reflect on what has happened previously.
“As a manager I can tell them what a great day it is when you win, but as a player it must be phenomenal.
“But the Irish Cup wasn’t kind to me as a player as I never won it, but I won six league titles.”
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