Alan Pardew may have guided Crystal Palace to the FA Cup final but he is still not ready to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Goals in each half from Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham secured a 2-1 win over Watford and a return to Wembley to face Manchester United next month.
But Pardew, who has agreed in principle to a contract extension, is still delaying putting pen to paper until Palace have confirmed their survival in the Premier League.
That should be a formality with the Eagles eight points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
But Pardew insisted: "No, I'm not ready to sign yet because the decision I made was that I wouldn't sign it until we're mathematically safe.
"We have to keep our focus and ensure the team is ready for three important league games. We need to get the points, and then we can enjoy the cup final."
Bolasie headed Palace into a sixth-minute lead with a goal that had echoes of Pardew's semi-final winner in 1990 which earned their only other final appearance - also against United.
Watford skipper Troy Deeney equalised 10 minutes after the interval but they were level for just six minutes before Wickham converted Pape Souare's cross with a towering header.
Pardew now wants to go one better than the class of '90, who were beaten by Lee Martin's solitary strike after a replay.
"I hope the destiny isn't the same result," he added. "This is a different team with a different spirit, but some of the characteristics are similar."
The future of Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores remains unclear despite his considerable achievements this season.
The club's owners are thought to be pondering a change despite their run to the semi-finals and a solid first season back in the top flight.
Flores said: "When we started the season (our) main target was to stay in the Premier League. That's the most important thing for Watford.
"We need reasons to be happy, to be positive. I don't see why we have to be negative. The future of Watford is safe. We don't have reasons to talk about me."
Source: PA
