Gethin Jones reckons Wanderers are reaping the rewards from their “competitive” mindset – and hopes they can go one step further against Plymouth.

The Whites have a chance to win some silverware in the Papa Johns Trophy final at Wembley this weekend.

Jones has plenty of experience in the competition but says Wanderers’ approach has been much different to some of his previous clubs.

“I’ve been at clubs before, where you don’t really take the Papa John’s Trophy that seriously, but this year we said that it was a chance to play at Wembley and get the clubs there,” he said.

“You’d have six, seven under-18s or B-team players that would play on that game on a Tuesday night and it’s never taken seriously.

“Even if you lose 2-0 or 3-0 to Manchester United’s reserves team, it was just one of them where it was a run out for the lads.

“But we’ve got such a strong squad this season. Every game’s been competitive for us.

“We’re all working really hard every day in training whether you’re playing in a league game, a cup game, whatever. We’ve wanted to go and win every game."

Jones and skipper Ricardo Santos are the only remaining members from the Bolton squad since Ian Evatt took charge, and the pair have played important roles in helping the boss build his desired culture around the club.

“It's been like that since the first day I've been here. That obviously comes down from the manager first of all, he's really got that winning mentality,” the vice-captain added.

“Getting the club promoted first time from League Two was unbelievable for us, but it just shows with how many tickets have been sold from the fans to get to Wembley - the biggest stadium in the UK. 

“It’s one of the main things we said we wanted to do this season because it just shows that the club is on its way back.”

Jones has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Wanderers this season and was on target in the 5-0 win against MK Dons back in February.

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