Cardiff City’s manager had been tipped off about a young Scottish defender and he was delighted to sign Kevin McNaughton on a free transfer.

Dundee-born McNaughton proved a loyal and effective player over almost 10 years with Cardiff City and Jones says: “Kevin proved to be a terrific character on and off the pitch.

“He was also a winner in just about any situation.”

Former manager Lennie Lawrence had tried to sign McNaughton three years earlier when Cardiff were preparing for their first Championship season after gaining promotion.

He had just signed a three-year contract and Aberdeen wanted a transfer fee, but when Jones moved in during the summer of 2006 McNaughton was available on a free.

“I watched Kevin twice,” said Jones. “He was quick, a good, solid defender and could play in a number of positions.

“We were trying to build something in Cardiff and Kevin was exactly the type of man and player we needed.

“He was in his early 20s when I watched him play, but looked a fair bit older. I checked his age in case he was in his mid-40s and then got on with the job of signing him as quickly as possible.

“Kevin wasn’t the most vocal of players, but his commitment and winning attitude earned the respect of those around him.

“I don’t think I ever heard him say a cross word to anybody, but he also knew what was needed and how to achieve that.

“He is a terrific character on and off the pitch. He is a winner who did Cardiff City proud with his service.

“Kevin gave good service to the club. He had a great rapport with supporters and deserves to have a fantastic day.

“Not many players these days achieve the milestone of having a benefit game and he deserves it. It shows the respect everybody has for him.

“I hope Bluebirds fans turn out in force because this is the day when Kevin can say goodbye to them.”

Jones is now manager of League Two club Hartlepool United, while McNaughton plays for Inverness Caledonians Thistle in the Scottish Premier League.

Standard tickets for McNaughton’s benefit match are £10 with concessions available and can be purchased via the Cardiff City ticket website: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity/details/event.aspx?itemref=5452
The Ticket Office telephone number is 0845 345 1400.

Super Kev’s team: Kevin McNaughton, Mark Hudson, Ben Turner, Lee Naylor, Stephen McPhail, Riccy Scimeca, Craig Conway, Don Cowie, Steven Thompson, Michael Chopra, Jon Parkin, Alex Winter, Matthew Pritchard, Barry McNaughton, Ross O’Donaghue, Darren Mackie plus one competition winning fan.

Bellamy’s Boys: Craig Bellamy, Andy Legg, Darren Purse, Peter Whittingham, Paul Parry, Robert Earnshaw, Andy Campbell, Trevor Sinclair, Craig Noone, Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, Sean Connelly, Chris Barker, Jason Mohammad plus one competition winning fan.